Gloria Doris Ahern

South Portland - Gloria D. Ahern, 90, passed away on September 19, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Gloria was born on June 7, 1934, in Portland, daughter of the late Eldred and Rita (Tardiff) Thibodeau. Gloria attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School in 1953. On April 19, 1954, she married Jerry Ahern at Sacred Heart Church in Portland. They lived in Portland until 1964 when they purchased their first home in South Portland, where they raised their six children together. When her young daughters started school, Gloria began working at the South Portland Nursing Home, where she made a career as the Supervisor of Laundry and Housekeeping. After retiring as supervisor, she continued to assist as a part-time front desk receptionist. In her earlier years, Gloria participated in a bowling league at Bowl-a-Rama in South Portland and shared a love for square dancing with her husband; they were members of a dance club! After retirement, Gloria volunteered at the South Portland Food Cupboard from its beginning, for 24 years, where a Walk-In Freezer is named in her honor. She also enjoyed traveling, visiting places like Mexico, Prince Edward Island, Florida, Georgia, Arizona and she loved going on cruises with friends. Gloria stayed connected with high school friends enjoying monthly luncheons while reminiscing; she also cherished happy hour and dinners with her girlfriends. Being a grandmother was one of Gloria's greatest joys, and she filled her grandchildren’s lives with baked goods, knitted gifts, and homemade candy during the holidays. Wherever she went, she had her camera in hand. She made a hobby of creating photo albums of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These will be distributed soon, at her request. Some will receive more than a half dozen albums. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Gloria was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Joseph G. Ahern Sr.; brother, Eugene Thibodeau; sister, Christine Barnes; and son, Michael J. Ahern. Gloria is survived by her children, Steven Ahern and wife Karen Smith, Joseph G. Ahern Jr., Timothy P. Ahern, Sharon A. and husband William Leeman, and Shirely L. Ahern; grandchildren, Justin and wife Melissa, Jannelle, Jason, Gregory and wife Brooke, Ryan and partner Emily, Danielle and husband Colby, Shayna and partner Kevin, Brady and wife Destiny, Elizabeth and husband Jimmy, Nathan and wife Ashley, Nicholas, Zachary, Sophia and partner Colin, and Amelia and husband Matt; great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Kasside, Keagan, Kyrah, Ameila, Ian, Asher, Hunter, Sylvia, Ella, Emry, Maya, and Adrian; great-great-grandson, Forest; brother, Gary P. Thibodeau and his partner Cindy Tripaldi; special nephew, Gary J. Thibodeau and wife Katie; very special sister-in-law, Patricia Thibodeau; and many beloved extended family members. Visiting hours will be held from 4:00-6:00PM on October 10, 2024, at Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on October 11, 2024, at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd. South Portland, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gloria’s memory to the South Portland Food Cupboard, 130 Thadeus St. South Portland, ME 04106 or online at http://southportlandfoodcupboard.org/donate/