Desta M Ahern

Desta Ahern (Doyle), age 95, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, was called home to the Lord on June 26, 2025. Born on July 13, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, Desta lived a full and faith-filled life, guided by her deep Catholic beliefs, unshakable strength, and joyful spirit.

A proud Irish Catholic and devoted daughter of God, Desta was a woman of great faith, whose life was a living testimony to grace, gratitude, and resilience. She was known for her quick wit, her love of Irish sayings and stories, and her steadfast belief that God walks with us through every season of life. She often reminded others, “Never say never,” “This too shall pass,” and “Kill ’em with kindness” — words she lived by with devotion and compassion.

Desta had a gift for inspiring those around her to live more fully. Even in her later years, she embraced life with fearless curiosity. In her 70s, she began learning to play the piano; in her 80s, she taught herself to play the harmonica — proof that the human spirit, with God’s help, never stops growing. She loved arts and crafts, creating beauty with her hands and love in her heart. She also found joy in God’s creation through her travels, sharing unforgettable adventures with her beloved sisters to Las Vegas, Alaska, Italy, and Arizona.

She was the heart of her family — a source of strength, laughter, and light. Desta is survived by her seven loving children: Eileen (Jim) Cusack, Mary Adams, Martha (Jim) Heideman, Susan Hensley (and partner Wayne), Joseph Ahern, Nancy (Ed) Marinaro, and Jack (Nikki) Ahern. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Rosemary Dunker, many adoring nieces and nephews, and her 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who carry her love and lessons in their hearts. She is reunited in eternal peace with her husband, Daniel Ahern, her cherished son-in-law Tom, and her dear siblings: Larry, Raymond, Joseph, Jimmy, Sister Joan, Catherine (Del), and Noreen (Tom).

Desta’s family takes great comfort in the promise of eternal life, knowing she now rests joyfully in the arms of her Savior, reunited with those who went before her. Her earthly journey was a beautiful reflection of faith, service, and unconditional love — a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2nd, beginning at 5:00 PM at Lauterburg-Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, Illinois. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 3rd, at 10:30 AM at Saint Emily Catholic Church, 1400 E. Central Rd, Mount Prospect, Illinois. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Desta’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to her generous heart.