Obituary of Jean Ahern

GREAT-GREAT GRANDMOTHER DIES AT 96 Joan Ahern died July 22, 2010 in Salinas at 96 years old. Born Jeanne Louise Ruelens February 15, 1914 in New York City to a French immigrant father (of Belgian parents) and a German mother who was the first family member born in America. Joan was the oldest of 9 children. They lived in a two bedroom apartment in New York where her father was a fur sorter. Joan married at 18 years old to H. Thomas Ahern, who worked 45 years for New York Life Insurance. They had 2 children and moved to New Jersey in 1950. Joan loved roses and became the New Jersey State Miniature Rose Champion. She became a Jehovah's Witness in 1959. Being the granddaughter of a Prussian Opera singer, Joan also loved to sing. She ws also an avid reader and loved to cook. Tom retired in 1971 and they moved to Venice, Florida in 1972. Tom passed away of cancer in 1990.. They were married for 58 years. Joan continued to live in Venice, very active in her congregation until she had a mild stroke at age 90. She then moved to Salinas, California, to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Bob Block. She continued to lead an active life preaching, traveling, and spending time with her 4 year old great-great-granddaughter. She recently went with her family to Sea World, Disneyland, San Francisco and camping this year. She is survived by her children Joan Block and Paul Ahren, her 3 grandchildren, Laurie Gutierrez, Chris and Kevin Block, 6 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Josephine and Edna. Joan looked forward to seeing her husband and other family members in a Paradise on earth in the future. The Family would like to thank Hospice for the wonderful care given to Joan the last week of her life. MEMORIALS A Memorial Talk will be given a the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Saturday, July 24, 2010 2PM at 165 Harrison Road Salinas, CA.