Maryann Shea Ahearn, 84, peacefully entered into eternal rest August 26, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
Born Oct. 31, 1938 at the Hospital of St Raphael’s in New Haven to the late John J. and Frances (Schwagerman) Shea. Maryann was a lifelong Ansonia resident and fortunate enough to be married to the love of her life, John “Jack” Ahearn, for 62 wonderful years. Maryann graduated from the Assumption School class of ‘52, Ansonia High School, Class of ’56 and completed her studies at the St. Raphael’s School of Nursing as a member of the Class of ’59. Initially employed by St. Raphael’s Hospital, Maryann found her true calling as a compassionate and caring school nurse in the Ansonia School System where she remained for nearly 45 years. During her time as a school nurse, Maryann also worked at the former Derby Nursing Home.
Always civic minded, Maryann served on the boards of the Ansonia Senior Center, the Julia Day Nursery School and was a founding member of her Red Hats Society chapter. She was a former member of the Assumption Home School Association, Ansonia High School Lavender Booster Club, and Charter Hose Ladies Auxiliary. Maryann was a lifetime communicant of the The Church of the Assumption and honorably served her duties as a Eucharistic minister for many years. These experiences provided a wonderful lifetime of friendship and fun. Of all the roles fulfilled by Maryann throughout her life, being a wife, mother and grandmother were her greatest joys. The countless events attended in support of her husband, children and grandchildren made her the happiest and proudest.
Maryann was predeceased by her sister Sheila Shea. In addition to her husband Jack, she leaves her children John “Jay” Ahearn Jr. of Ansonia, Maureen Rubin (Mitchell) of Morganville, N.J., Timothy Ahearn (Judy) of Bethany, Patrick Ahearn (Kimberly) of Amherst, N.H., and Christopher Ahearn (Sarah) of Ansonia. Maryann is survived by ten grandchildren: Alex, Kaitlin, and Douglas Rubin; Hannah and Jack Ahearn; Abigail and Aidan Ahearn; Brighton, Weston and Triston Ahearn and her loving sister Frances Shea Gorman. She also leaves behind several dear nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to pay their respects may call on Wednesday, August 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 31st at 10:00 a.m. Attendees are asked to go directly to The Church of the Assumption in Ansonia. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Assumption School, 51 N. Cliff St. Ansonia or to The St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
