Lois Lauda Ahern Bortone

Darien (and former New Canaan) resident, Lois Bortone died at her home on Saturday, June 18

 Born in 1927, Mrs Bortone was the daughter of Charles and Louise Lauda   She grew up in Port Washington, NY, and married her high school sweetheart, Frederic John (Jack) Ahern

Following her early career as an artist, Mrs Bortone's creative flair and style influenced her antiques-filled homes and bountiful gardens  She was the paragon of a model wife, mother, hostess and homemaker

Subsequent to the death of Jack Ahern in 1980, Mrs Bortone married Matthew W Bortone seven years later, who predeceased her in 2007  Together they enjoyed golf, traveling and creating dollhouses & miniatures

As an active member of the Darien Community Association in the 1970s, Mrs Bortone  was instrumental in the expansion and renovation of the DCA Thrift Shop  She was a long term member of Woodway Country Club

Mrs Bortone is survived by her daughter Nancy J (Nan) Ahern of New York City, and son Frederic John (Rick) Ahern, Jr of Hockessin, Delaware;  stepdaughter Dr Joanne Bortone of Mt Kisco, NY, stepson Matthew W Bortone Jr of Kona, Hawaii, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 24 at 10:30 am in the chapel of Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, followed by burial at Long Ridge Union Cemetery in Stamford

There will be no calling hours; arrangements have been made by Lawrence Funeral Home of Darien

Contributions in memory of Mrs Bortone may be made to North Shore Animal League of Port Washington, NY; Post 53 of Darien, CT; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital