Judith Wyffels Ahearn

Judith Katherine Wyffels Ahearn, 73, of Gardner, IL, and Estero, FL, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, in Bonita Springs, FL. She had been a seasonal resident of Estero since 2000. She was born in Henry County, IL on January 26, 1944, the daughter of William and Alma (née Francque) Wyffels. Mrs. Ahearn was educated at St. Mary’s Academy in Nauvoo, IL. She went on to receive a BA in voice and music education from the University of Illinois and later an MA in reading from Olivet Nazarene. She taught music, kindergarten, and elementary school at Mazon-Verona-Kinsman High School, Goodfarm School, and Dwight Grade School. After retiring, Mrs. Ahearn pursued her hobbies of cooking and gardening. She attended the Culinary Institute of America in Chicago. She enjoyed entertaining and used her cooking skills and wine knowledge to host family and friends on many occasions. She was a noted pie maker. As a life-long learner, she took University of Illinois Extension courses to become a Master Gardener. Mrs. Ahearn was an avid reader and traveler. She visited all seven continents. Her two most notable trips were a safari to Africa and a small ship adventure on her own to Antarctica. In her free time, Mrs. Ahearn volunteered teaching English as a second language in Bonita Springs, FL, and working to distribute food through the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, We Care of Grundy County, and the Food Pantry at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. The importance of family was evident in her life, as Mrs. Ahearn traveled weekly to see her mother Alma. She was also sure to send cards and notes to her large extended family for birthdays and special occasions. Mrs. Ahearn was preceded in death by her parents William and Alma Wyffels, her sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Mike Kuhne, and an infant sister Julie Wyffels. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Lawrence V. “Larry” Ahearn; her beloved daughters, Jennifer Ahearn of Westchester, IL and Christine Ahearn (fiancé Don Trinco) of Chicago, IL; and her sisters and brothers, Joan (Jim) Van Lauwe of St. Charles, MO, Janice (George) Ralph of Loveland, CO, William (Jane) Wyffels of Geneseo, IL and Robert (Vicky) Wyffels of Geneseo, IL. A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 on Saturday morning, April 28 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington. The funeral mass will begin at 11:00 with a dinner celebrating Judy’s life to be held immediately following the service at the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to We Care of Grundy County, www.wecareofgrundycounty.com; Heifer International, www.heifer.org; or St. Lawrence Catholic Church Food Pantry, 165 E Rice St., South Wilmington, IL 60474.

Judith Wyffels Ahearn

January 26, 1944 - January 3, 2018