Kathleen Agnes Ahern, age 86, of Winona, home maker, died Monday, July 5, 2004, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare, Winona.

She leaves two sons: Patrick J. Ahern and his friend, Donna Wittrock, of Golden, Colo., and Michael Ahern of Memphis, Tenn.; two daughters: Colleen (Jerry) Sorenson of Las Vegas, Nev., and Bridget (Brian) Ender of Winona; and five grandchildren: Sarah, Thomas and Timothy Ahern, and T.J. McMahon and Erin Sorenson.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Ahern; one sister, Betty Sturm; and one brother, Robert Berendt.

She was a women with great intellect and love for humanity, qualities that drew people to her. She was co-author to a number of cook books. Kathleen was a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of America. As her children were growing up, she held leadership roles in the Cub and Boy Scouts of America, and the Brownies and Girl Scouts of America. Kathleen has been a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca, St. Aiden’s Catholic Church in Ellendale, and St. Anne Hospice in Winona.

Kathleen was employed as a secretary for Prudential Insurance in Albert Lea, retiring in 1980. She was united in marriage to Thomas R. Ahern in Mankato on April 18, 1944. He preceded her in death on January 31, 2003. She came to Winona in January of 1988, having lived previously in Beaver Lake near Ellendale and also Mission, Texas.

Our mother was a gracious lady and had a unique view on life. She prepared and taught us many valuable lessons. Her nurturing and love provided the path for all of her children to seek and obtain a college degree. The ideals of our parents did not end with their own children, together as a family they would bring foster children into their home.

A memorial Mass to celebrate Kathleen’s life will be held on Saturday, July 17, at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Our Lady at St. Anne Extended Healthcare, Winona, Rev. Msgr. Roy Literski officiating. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anne. Interment will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at St. Theodore’s Cemetery, Albert Lea, with Rev. Robert Schneider officiating.

Services entrusted to Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Winona.