Mary Aherne

Unfortunately we need to inform you that our beloved family matriarch, Mary Aherne ,nee Fitzgerald, 95, longtime resident of Elmhurst and active member of Visitation parish passed away December 8, 2025.

Officially the title " Best Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma There Ever Was" has been awarded and now retired..

Mary Aherne was a woman who lived a full, tumultuous long life and did so with strength, a smile ,a ready ear, a supportive hand, often accompanied with a warm meal- and maybe a martini.

She was born in Chicago in July of 1930 to Catherine and John Fitzgerald, the middle sister to her two siblings Jack and Tom. She attended Notre Dame high school and after graduation used her impressive typing skills to get a job at White Cap and later as a secretary/stenographer for the FBI. While there she met and married, Curt Ervin.

The newlyweds moved to Milwaukee and had three children, Ann, Peg and Dave. Sadly their years together were cut short when Curt passed away leaving Mary a young widow. She moved her small family back to Chicago to live with her parents.

One New Year's Eve she got up the courage to call a young man, Tim Aherne, she had previously dated and welcome him back from his time as a marine in Korea. He was happy to hear from her and soon they were a couple – eventually becoming a small family when Tim and Mary wed.

The family moved out to the suburbs, choosing Elmhurst and a home on Saylor Ave as a great neighborhood to raise the kids. They soon added two more kids , daughters Eileen and Mary.

They joined Visitation church and became active parishioners, Tim was a regular Sunday 10 am mass usher and Mary was a fixture at church functions, school events, organizing, baking, serving as a "Kitchen Cutie" and serving as CCW president. She was always greeting and welcoming everyone. None of her kids ever wanted to go to the Jewel with her because she always ran into somebody. No such thing as a quick run in!

After the unexpected death of Tim n 1978, Mary became the full time church secretary at Visitation and continued working in the rectory until retiring in 2000. Continuing to serve, she became a bereavement minister for grieving families.

She lived her last years at The Roosevelt (formerly Lexington) in Elmhurst. She was happy to have so many Visitation friends there and be cared for by their capable staff. Her family is so thankful for the services they provided.

Mary was the ultimate hostess with an always open seat at her kitchen table where you were always quickly offered food and drink and happy conversation. Summers moved the gatherings to the deck overlooking the park and you never knew who would be stopping in. Neighbors, Priests, relatives. At 5 it was "Toonie Time" and all were welcome. After serving everyone she would always ask "Is Everybody Happy?" before taking time to sit down and serve herself.

Mary was most proud of her family. If you were her family member and ANYONE she knew wandered by she would proudly introduce you and show you off. If you weren't there in person she'd show everyone pictures. She was the ultimate fan and supporter attending as many school shows, concerts, sporting events, graduations as she possibly could. Most importantly all were on her prayer list and many kids and grandkids got that extra spiritual boost during finals week or on job interviews.

She was a great cook, loved cute shoes and Notre Dame football. She also had an amazing way with laundry. No stain survived her mad laundering skills.

Feeling blessed and proud to call her Mom are her surviving children: Ann Barrios (nee Ervin) , Peg Domayer (nee Ervin) , Dave Ervin and wife Mary Luther, Eileen Crabtree, (nee Aherne) and Mary Young (nee Aherne) and her husband Tim Young. She is beloved "Grandma Mom" and "Maga" to 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grand children. Mary was preceded in death by spouses, Tim Aherne and Curt Ervin. Grandchild, Timothy Ervin,Daughter In Law Carol Ervin. Son in Law Doug Domayer ,Niece Maureen (nee Crowley) Rogina, Parents, Catherine and John Fitzgerald, Siblings, Jack and Tom Fitzgerald,