Barbara Ave McGahan

Barbara was born in Terre Haute, IN on January 28, 1934 to Anthony and Thelma Ave, and was educated at Sacred Heart School, St. Patrick High School, and graduated from Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College with a degree in History and French. She became a teacher in Cincinnati, OH and was preparing to move to Chicago when her father died, changing the course of her life. She returned home, taking a job at Columbia Records’ monthly subscription as a legal representative, sending a prayer to her father each night to guide her forward. An answer to that prayer was Patrick McGahan, just returned home to Terre Haute from naval service as an officer and interviewing with Cummins Engine Company. Patrick invited Barbara to the first football matchup since the end of WWII between his alma mater the University of Notre Dame and Army; this was in October, they were engaged by Christmas, and married the first weekend after Lent on April 4, 1959.

They lived in Columbus, IN, where their first three children were born, briefly moved to Atlanta, where their youngest was born, and returned to Columbus until 1975, when Patrick purchased Cummins Georgia (later Cummins South, Inc. and Cummins Power South).

Patrick and Barbara were longtime homeowners at Hilton Head Island, SC, a constant in their family’s life and hearts, and members of Cherokee Town & Country Club, Sea Pines Country Club, and the Cathedral of Christ the King.

In her kitchen, Barbara brought forth her family’s heritage of Italy and Scotland, her study of France, and the international corporate town of Columbus and its surrounding farms and countryside. She was an educator throughout her life, continuing as a substitute teacher and a docent at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. She taught her children well, and was loved so much by all: 4 children and their spouses and partner, 14 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild with another on the way.

Barbara now joins her husband Patrick and sister Julia Arlene Ave Krieg, and their beloved parents and relatives, including Yole (Alice) Ave Dilks, who passed before her.

She leaves her memory and guidance with all of us, including: Sheila McGahan Monardo (Paul), Dr. Thomas Patrick McGahan (Lauren), Anne McGahan Harmet (d. Jeffrey Harmet), and Mark Joseph McGahan (Meridith); their beloved children and grandchildren (Clare, Joseph, Frances, Silvia, Emma, Julia, Meg, Patrick, Isabel, Henry, William, Rose, James, Teddy, and Stella), nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law Beverly McGahan Shea Kesler and brother-in-law Larry Krieg.

Barbara and her family are indebted to caregivers that supported her: first, Rose Cardoso, then Denia Martin, joined by Janis Jackson and Urlene Sharon Johnson. They heard thoughts that might have gone unspoken to us and we are so grateful for everything brought to our family.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta on June 12, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Foundation of North Georgia: the Patrick J. and Barbara Ave McGahan Endowment, https://cfnga.org/patrick-j-and-barbara-ave-mcgahan-endowment-fund/ or the Msgr. Thomas A. Kenny Endowment Fund, https://cfnga.org/msgr-thomas-a-kenny-endowment-fund/ ; or Marist School in support of a fund towards a project to honor Mary http://marist.com/giving (please include “in memory of Barbara McGahan”).