Kathleen Ahern was my grandmother - her youngest son William was my father.  

Good Evening,

Kathleen Ahern was a grand aunt of my mother's. I wrote the above biography some time ago based on family research. You must be a second cousin to my mom, and a second cousin once removed to me. I have a photo of your father (I believe) in military uniform, who visited us relations in Ireland at some point after the war. I would like to confirm if it is him. 

My late uncle Pádraig from Limerick (your second cousin) visited Kansas City to meet some of the KC family when he lived in the Far East. (or at least he planned to visit them).I have been in contact with some relations, the Tottons, but not with any descendants of William. 

I would love to hear from you again, cousin.

Regards from Ireland

Donal Mac Cormaic

Mr. Mac Cormaic:  Hello!  Thank you so much for responding.  Your history of my grandmother and her family was fascinating and so appreciated.  We knew that she had returned to Ireland but not that she had been ill.   Do you have any information for why she would have been in a mental hospital?  

My name is (Ann) Kelley Ahern - my father, William Ahern married Evelyn Kelley in Kansas City, MO shortly after WWII.  They had two children - myself and my older sister (named for our grandmother) Kathleen Ahern.  After the war - but before we were born - my parents moved to San Francisco, CA - my dad worked in the advertising business for more than 30 years.   Both my sister and I were born in SF and raised there and the nearby East Bay region.  My mother passed in 1969 - my father never remarried and he passed, as you know, in 1982 from a heart attack.  For most of his life, he stayed closely in touch with our Uncle Pat (a colorful man whose visits were always exciting!) and our Aunts Mae, Jen and Kay.  Both Mae and Jen remained in Kansas City but came several times to California to visit us.  My Aunt Kay moved to Los Angeles after the war and worked for a very successful talent agent in Hollywood.  I actually went to LA after college to work in the entertainment business and stayed with my Aunt Kay for several weeks before I got my own place.  She was a wonderful woman - great memories.  My sister married but never had children - she continues to live in California.  I left the west coast in the late 80's and moved to the Washington D.C. area.  I never married and had no children - just dogs and horses.   I work in Human Resources - currently as a Director for a government consulting firm.  I have a small "farm" about 60 miles outside of D.C.  

Some of what you wrote I just found out about recently because I applied for, and was granted, Irish citizenship late last year.  I had to provide dozens of documents proving that I was the granddaughter of Irish naturals.  I am hoping to retire to Ireland in the next few years.  

I meet many of the Tottens (particularly Mary and her family) many years ago but we do not stay in touch.  My dad was the catalyst of all family communication and when he passed I am afraid we all drifted.  I am not sure if the picture you have would be of my dad - I am not sure if he went back to Ireland after the war but it is a definite possibility.  I do know that my Uncle Pat and Aunt Mae went several times over the years to visit various people.  Aunt Mae always said we had Irish cousins but never elaborated.  It is nice to finally meet one of you! If you have any other information about our family I would love to hear it.  My direct email is: keltic75@gmail.com.  

Regards from the US!        

Kelley