Marilyn H. (Hichew) Ahearn

Marilyn H. Ahearn, 87, of Granger, IN, peacefully passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024 in her home, surrounded by her loving children. Marilyn was born on September 24, 1936 to the late John Oscar and Mary Irene (George) Hichew in St. Louis, MO.

After graduating from Villa Duchesne High School and Marymount College in St. Louis, she received her Bachelors in Education. Marilyn began her teaching career in St. Louis. It was during this time she met Tom, the love of her life, and on December 30, 1961, as Marilyn Janet Hichew, she married Thomas R. Ahearn at the Church of the Annunziata. After marrying, their family grew with four adoring children, Meghan, TJ, Carrie, and Michael. Throughout her life, she was the heart and soul of her family.

While raising their four children, Marilyn continued her love of teaching at Corpus Christi School for over 30 years. Marilyn wasn’t just a teacher to a countless number of students, she was an inspiration, an advocate, and a mentor to every student she taught, both in and out of the classroom.  Years later, countless former students still reached out with wedding invitations, baby announcements, and heartfelt messages—a testament to her lasting impact.

Marilyn had a knack for making every occasion special. Sunday dinners overflowing with happy chaos and laughter, celebrations for holidays, enthusiastic attendance at school functions, and even her insistence on celebrating those “Hallmark holidays”— these were the cornerstones of her life. However, her greatest love was for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She proudly carried the titles of Mom, GaGa, GiGi, Grandma, and Didi and she showered them with unconditional love and support.

Throughout all the trials, tribulations, and loss that life brings, Marilyn displayed grace, dignity, elegance, and a fierce belief in her faith. Her strength and love for her family made her the inspiring matriarch of the Ahearn clan. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be a beacon of love and light.

Marilyn is survived by her two daughters, Meghan (Richard) Beard of South Bend, IN; Carrie (Eric Cupp) Espick of Granger, IN; her son, Michael Ahearn of Valparaiso, IN;  and her daughter-in-law, Tracy Ahearn of Granger IN; 11 grandchildren, Packy (Rachael) Griffin, Colleen (Landon Priddy) Griffin, Lucy Beard, Lila Beard, Thomas (Stephanie) Ahearn, Mary Grace (Steve McCune) Ahearn, Tess Espick, Jackson Espick, Christopher Ahearn, Connor Ahearn, and Colin (Brooke Pennington) Ahearn; four great grandchildren, Gracie Ahearn, Theo Ahearn, Darcy Griffin, and Polly Griffin.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Ahearn; son, Thomas J. “T.J.” Ahearn; and two brothers, John and Perry “Spike” Hichew.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 1, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. in the church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 Edison Road, Suite 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.  To send online condolences please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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