Carmen C. Ahearn

Northampton, MA - After a long period of declining health Carmen C. Ahearn (née Moehrke) passed away on February 2, 2025 in her home with her daughters at her side. Carmen was born on May 16, 1931 in Sheboygan WI to Herbert Moehrke and Sophie Moehrke (née Harmening). She was pre-deceased by her parents, nephew Timothy Moehrke, beloved younger brother Daniel, ex-husband Stephen, and numerous aunts and uncles. Surviving her are her daughters- Carolyn Ahearn (Easthampton MA), Virginia Ahearn (Florence, MA), and her niece Kathy Ickstadt (Bill) of WI.

After graduating from Sheboygan Central High School in 1949 and attending University of Wisconsin for a year Carmen’s adventurous spirit called her to move to New York City, where her 1st semester roommate had moved to. The small town and religious environment in which she was raised were too limiting for Carmen’s bright and inquiring mind.

Once in New York Carmen worked for a fabric company in the Empire State Building, pursued her interest in Art through classes at The Art Students League, and attended City College at night- earning a degree in Arts Education. She discovered the Unitarian Universalist Church and remained active in UU Societies throughout her life. She loved the libraries, museums, theater, Central Park, public transportation, and all the faces and languages that were so different from what she had grown up with.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude from City College Carmen taught Art on Long Island. She formed close friendships with co-workers and began hiking with a colleague who introduced her to hiking groups around Bear Mt. and Harriman Park. It was on these hikes that she met her future husband, Stephen. Carmen formed a lifelong love of hiking and the outdoors. They hiked, sailed, rock climbed, drove cross-country to The Tetons, and were avid readers and music lovers.

After the birth of their first daughter in 1961 they moved to Branford CT (and later to Guilford). In 1963 they welcomed a second daughter. Carmen and family continued their adventures in the Adirondacks and on the ocean; turning heads while doing it with young children. Carmen was a substitute art teacher while she raised her girls with trips to the Branford Library, the pool in New Haven, The Long Wharf children's theatre, the beach, and New York City. She believed that television would "rot your brain" and engaged her children in art projects, playing outside, and reading. There was not a television in the house until the early 70's. She was truly ahead of her time; in the 1960s she refused to use laundry detergents with phosphates, stating it would pollute the groundwater.

In 1976 Carmen and family moved to Northampton MA. At UMass Carmen completed the Masters in Early Childhood Education that she had begun at Southern Connecticut State University and started teaching at the Hampshire County Action Commission Day Care. Favorite projects with the children included hatching chicks and frogs as well as making maple syrup by tapping the maple tree in schoolyard. She was dedicated to engaging children's curiosity and imaginations and firmly believed in nap time.

Carmen was an original member of Broad Brook Coalition and was instrumental in building the many trails to Fitzgerald Lake. She frequented the Adirondack Mts. and participated in many trail maintenance trips there as well as backpacking and hiking with her daughters. She attended almost all Northampton City Council meetings, welcoming her civic duty and participation in local democracy. She loved gardening, canoe club, book club, local art and drawing groups and initiating neighborhood gatherings.

Carmen retired in 1994 and took many hiking trips to Europe with the Adirondack Mountain Club, including Greece, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, England and the American Southwest. She also travelled locally to Glimmerglass music festival with dear friend and neighbor Sandy Albano. Carmen returned to New York City on several occasions, finding house sitting opportunities that allowed her to be in the city for 3-6 months at a time. During those times she would re-enroll in the Art Students League, join a hiking group, visit the library, museums, offbeat galleries, and theater. She loved re-connecting with her old haunts and discovering new ones.
As her health declined, she received much assistance and support from her friends: Wendy, Norma, Nancy, and Monica. This support enabled her to stay in her home as she wished. Her daughters thank Joanna, Ashley, Audrey at the Valley Medical Lab in Northampton, as well as Dr. Johnson, Dr. Thaler (ret.), Kristine Normandin NP, Dr.'s Falk, Lang and Stephens at Florence Dental, Cooley Dickinson VNA/Hospice, especially RN's Regina, Julie, Sarah and Liz, and Highland Valley Elder Services. We also thank all her neighbors in the neighborhood she loved so much.

Calling hours will be held Monday February 10th from 4:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. at Ahearn Funeral Home, Northampton. A non-denominational service will be held Tuesday February 11th at Ahearn funeral home at 10:00 A.M. before proceeding to Spring Grove Cemetery, 5 North Farms Rd., Florence MA for burial. There will be a light lunch after the burial.

In lieu of flowers, her daughters ask that donations be made in Carmen's name to Broad Brook Coalition, or the Art Students League in NYC.