Mary Ahern
1948 – 2019

Mary Elizabeth Doyle was born to John and Helen Doyle, nee Kiernan, on September 16, 1948.
A native of the Bronx, Mary attended Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School, The Academy of Mt Saint Ursula, Mount St. Vincent College, Cornell University School of Nursing and Columbia University where she ultimately earned her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Degree.
Mary’s career in nursing extended from a weekend of ministering at the Woodstock Festival medical tent to a 9-month voyage on the SS Hope, the first peacetime hospital ship, at port in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to the Visiting Nurse Service to various caring hands, nursing research and administrative leadership positions in Columbia-Presbyterian and Nyack Hospitals.
On one rainy April afternoon in 1976, stranded in her VW Bug on 165th Street, Mary was rescued by Geary, soon to become her prince and the love of Mary’s life. Mary married Geary Edward Ahern on May 9, 1981 and a life of love, generosity and hilarious adventures followed. In 1982, Mary and Geary gleefully welcomed their son, Christopher Geary, into their world.
Despite a later diagnosis of unremitting Multiple Sclerosis, nothing stood in the way of Mary and Geary’s love for and celebration of life, first in Manhattan, and then their adopted home of Nyack, NY. No journey was so far nor so arduous that a roadside nap could not cure. Rarely on time, Mary and Geary always arrived with smiles and laughter at each and every family and social occasion.
For the past five years, Mary lived at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh where, while her life skills receded, the significance of her presence grew - her grace, endurance and beauty inspiring employees, companions, neighbors, family and friends, alike.
Mary passed away, peacefully, on October 11, 2019
Mary was predeceased by her mother and father, as well as Geary - a loss from which Mary never recovered.
Mary is survived by Christopher, devoted daughter-in-law, Ellen, nee Smith, and two beautiful grandchildren, Jonah and Nuala. Mary is survived by her five younger siblings: Deirdre Nosal (Jeff), Kieran Doyle (Tracey), Kevin Doyle (Mary), Jack Doyle (Bernice), and Brian Doyle (Evelyn). She also leaves behind her beloved Aunt Julia, her devoted brothers and sisters-in-law, loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary was remarkably blessed, as well, with enduring and faithful friends. The family is forever grateful for the love and care provided by her late-in-life companions Bonnie G, Bonnie U, Ken and Lisa, as well as all of her devoted aides and nurses at Rockleigh.
In the face of reprimand, as a child, and then staring down all adversity as an adult, Mary’s keen and irreverent wit never ceased. This world will not again experience a courage and spirit like that of Mary Ahern.
Visitation will be at the Hahnemann’s Funeral Home, 88 South Broadway, Nyack, NY (845-358-0573) from 4pm to 8pm pm on Monday, October 14. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 19 Jefferson St, Nyack at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Rt 9W, Nyack.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations be made to the The National M.S. Society.