R.I.P. My aunt, Theresa S. Ahler

Theresa S. Ahler

Dates:
Birth date: February 28, 1931
Death date: August 29, 2011

Obituary:

Theresa S. Ahler,

Age 80, of Burlington, passed away Aug 29, 2011 at Aurora Memorial Hospital Burlington. She was born February 28, 1931 to Martin and Sue (nee Kittle) Gerich in Chicago, IL where she spent her early life. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1949. Theresa was united in marriage to Robert Ahler on May 20, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Burlington where they resided and raised their family.

Theresa was a homemaker and was very active in her church and community. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, St. Mary’s Christian Mothers, Burlington Lioness Club, Volunteer for the Burlington Careers Lunch Program, and also a member of WRC Association of Retarded Citizens. Theresa enjoyed collecting bells and Lioness Pins. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her loving husband Robert “Bob”, her children Betty (Dick) Hoover of Burlington, Greg (Shelly) Ahler of Elkhorn, Bob Jr. (Edith) Ahler of Paddock Lake, Margaret Cooley of California, Peter Ahler, Rita (Joe) Chrast, William(Cheryl) Ahler, Don Ahler all of Burlington. She is furthered survived by her sisters Pat (Merlin) Abler of Burlington and Anne (Jim) Durkin of Bristol, 17 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren and by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 grandchild and 1 great-grandchild.

Theresa’s family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Paul Webber, the ER staff, the 2nd floor nurses and staff at Burlington Memorial Hospital and also the staff at Lake Geneva Manor for all their love and support.

__________________________________________________________

I have a special connection with my Aunt Theresa. She too had a son with Down Syndrome, my cousin Peter, who will be turning 54 in September. I'm glad Aunt Theresa was able to meet Andi last year. They were able to talk about being a parent of a child with Down Syndrome and Aunt Theresa really put Andi's mind at ease about what was in store for her and encouraged her to continue doing such an amazing job raising Jett.

Rest in peace Aunt Theresa.