Kimara Leigh Ahnert

Kimara Leigh Ahnert, 56, of New York, NY (formerly of Bushkill, PA) passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer on July 9, 2025. Born on June 29, 1969, in East Stroudsburg, PA, she was the daughter of Bonnie (Ahnert) Rudeski and the late David W. Ahnert. She was also proceeded in death by her stepfather, Thomas "Sto" Rudeski.

She was born and raised in the beautiful Pocono Mountains where her family built and operated Fernwood Resort. This was not only a family business but also the place where she lived and spent her formative years. As the oldest of four children, she was a natural born leader and not surprisingly, Kimara aspired to become an entrepreneur.

Kimara attended Notre Dame high School in East Stroudsburg, PA and earned a BA in Business Management from Goucher College. Upon graduation, she continued her education by studying makeup artistry in Baltimore, MD and shortly thereafter moved to New York City. In 1997, Kimara Ahnert on Madison Avenue was established. Known for her distinctive sense of style and grace, she created an environment that set her apart from traditional department store cosmetic counters. Weddings quickly became her specialty with celebrities and family members alike entrusting her to make them look their best on their special day. Kimara exemplified elegance and consistently dedicated herself to philanthropic work, always striving to make a positive impact on others. She was a part of many charitable and professional organizations, such as, Goucher College Board of Trustees, Mount Sinai Children's Health and Development Institute Board Member, Princess Grace Foundation, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Foundation, Gilda's Club of New York City, and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Yet her most fulfilling committee work was being a part of the senior team moms for her son Jonathan's football team.

Kimara was a driven and accomplished woman, devoted above all to her family. She took immense pride in her son Jonathan who recently celebrated his graduation from Riverdale Country School. Kimara cherished time with loved ones, whether traveling, skiing, boating, playing tennis, or dining out. Her kindness and presence will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her. Throughout her battle with cancer, her partner, Santiago McCarthy was by her side. In addition to her son, Jonathan Nordlinger, mother, Bonnie Rudeski, she is survived by her brother, Kevin Ahnert, and wife, Dana, their sons, Matthew and Andrew, brother, Gregory Ahnert, and wife, Amy, their daughters, Ashley and Ella, and son, Alexander, and sister Amy Baldwin, husband Michael, and their son, Sullivan.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday July 17 at 10:00AM at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 78 Ridgeway St. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Red Door Community (formally known as Gilda's Club of New York City) 114 W 26th Street, 4th Floor, NY, NY 10001 www.reddoorcommunity.org/donate-now/ or Monroe County Historical Society 900 Main St. Stroudsburg, PA 18360 www.monroehistorical.org/donate.html