Rebecca J. Ahern

Rebecca J. Ahern, 81, of Manchester, died January 12, 2024, at Villa Crest Nursing Home, after a a courageous battle with Alzheimers, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Manchester on March 2, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Cornelius and Rebecca (McNeilage) VanUden.  She was a graduate of Manchester High School West and worked for 25 years at Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic as switchboard operator before retiring in 2012.  She was a lifelong resident of the Queen City.

Rebecca was deeply devoted to her family and caring for “Her 3 Girls” and later, their families, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She loved the open road, the Amish country and the mountains, but most of all, her favorite place was the beach.  Rebecca was a choir singer; she was President of the PTA, was a Brownie Troop Leader and was and Sunday School Teacher and member of the  First Presbytery Church in Manchester.  She was the matriarch of the family, was very strong willed and a true angel.  Above all else, she will be remembered as an amazing and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend.

Rebecca was predeceased by her husband of several years, Manchester fireman George J. Ahern in 1974.

Surviving family includes her three daughters, Lisa J. Wayne of Greer, SC, Karen R. Simpson of Allenstown and Kathy J. Ahern and husband Shawn Fanny of Manchester; four grandchildren, Matthew J. Wayne and wife Rachel Wireman of Fairfax, VA, Nicholas A. Ahern and significant other, Ashley Downing of Manchester, Kyra R. Peno of Manchester and Joshua A. Wayne and significant other, Patricia Yasdick of Greer, SC; four great grandchildren, Aria Newton, Noah Ahern, Isabella Wayne and Hudson Wayne; one sister-in-law, Carol VanUden; and several nieces and nephews.  She was also predeceased by both parents; and two brothers, John and Robert VanUden.

SERVICES:  Calling hours are from 4pm to 6pm on Thursday at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North St., Manchester, NH 03104.  A Funeral Service will take place at 12pm on Friday at Lambert Funeral Home.  Burial to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Calef Rd., Manchester, NH 03103.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:  Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter (FMAS), 490 Dunbarton Rd., Manchester, NH 03102.