Virginia L. Ahern, 85, died May 19, 2006 at Regency Harbor Care. She was born Feb. 10, 1921 to George and Mary Mason in Lincoln, Neb.

Virginia was raised in many states around the country but graduated from El Monte High School, Calif., in 1939. In 1948 she married John Ahern and settled down first in Medford, Ore., then in Rosemead, Calif. The Aherns were blessed with five children.

Virginia worked as a secretary, then buyer’s assistant to furniture buyers for Sears. She also retired after 25 years of service from Sears. Truth be told, she probably had a large part in keeping the buying office going. She enjoyed her job but her family always came first. Divorced in 1964, all of the challenges and financial responsibility of raising five children were on her shoulders and she always looked forward to the time she spent with them.

In 2004 Virginia’s youngest daughter, Kim, along with her son, Kory, decided to move to Whidbey Island to be closer to one of her sisters Kelly and her son Chris. It was decided that Virginia should come too. She moved into Regency in June 2004. She loved the staff and the staff seemed to love her as well. It was truly a great match.

Virginia is survived by daughter Kerry Beamon with husband P.J. of Bar Nunn, Wyo., son Michael Ahern of Yucca Valley, Calif., daughters Kelly Whitney and Kim Ahern, both of Oak Harbor and Kathy Heavelin with husband Will of San Gabriel, Calif. She also leaves eight grandchildren: Chris, Kory, Rebekah, Catherine, Jesse, William, Andrew and Allison, and five great grandchildren.

A private family visitation was held at Burley Funeral Chapel.