Ellen Hnat Ahearn

Ellen passed away peacefully in Williamsburg, Virginia on Wednesday, June 14th, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard in 1997. Ellen was the fifth of five children born to Wasyl and Eva (Mykicz) Hnat of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and was the last of her immediate family to pass away. She is predeceased by her brothers, Michael and Peter, and her sisters Ann, Pauline and Mary. Ellen is survived by nieces Kimberly (John G.) Prelich and children, Kristine Hnat, and Karrianne (Dennis Sauer) Moehring and children. Ellen’s niece Lisa Kohlmyer Gorman passed away in 2004 leaving behind her husband Robb, and three children. Ellen is also survived by her nephews Michael (Wendy) Hnat and children, Thomas Kohlmyer and Kurt (Michelle) Kohlmyer and children. Also surviving Ellen are Richard’s children Richard Ahearn, Karen Kaminski, Jayne Nalbandian, and Diane Valeta and their spouses and children.

Aunt Ellen always said that she had a good life. She was graduated Valedictorian of her class at McKeesport High School. After graduation she worked as secretary for Admiral Khoury, the head of Logistics at US Steel. Aunt Ellen would talk fondly of her time at US Steel. She loved her work and co-workers, and along with her work friends, Aunt Ellen would take her “going out” clothes to work, and dress up for a night in the city. Aunt Ellen lived a rich life—she volunteered at Heinz Hall so that she could stay and watch the shows, and we all thought she was the “cool” Aunt because she had an apartment in Shady Side.

One day, a friend of hers arranged a blind date that would change the course of her life—that blind date was Uncle Richard. They married after a short time and began their life together in Pittsburgh. Uncle Richard’s job took him and Aunt Ellen to so many special places to live and visit. They lived in New Jersey twice, Kankakee, Illinois, and Grand Rapids, Michigan to name a few. They also traveled throughout the world bringing stories from faraway places such as South America, Japan, and the Soviet Union (back then). Through it all, Aunt Ellen was never too far from where she felt was home: 507 Lime Street in McKeesport PA. Whenever Ellen felt the need to see her family, she and Uncle Richard would load up his VW Beetle and come home for a visit.

They were a perfect couple and did everything together. When Uncle Richard decided to retire, they talked about different places to live, but always came back to where they honeymooned—Williamsburg, Virginia. They loved living in Williamsburg as it was close to so many activities that they enjoyed. They had wonderful neighbors in Jutta and Ned, Bill and Barbara, and Dave and Beth.

Aunt Ellen resided at Spring Arbor in Williamsburg for the last years of her life, and the employees there were wonderful to her.

Aunt Ellen’s family and friends all mourn her passing but rejoice in the thought that she is now with her loved ones and our Lord Jesus Christ.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Bede’s Church in Williamsburg.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Ahearn family.