Nancy Ahlin

Nancy Ahlin entered into eternal rest on Saturday morning, April 26, 2014, surrounded by her family. A third generation native of Illinois, Nancy was born on November 16, 1926, in Oak Park, Illinois. Her mother, Frances Detta Xavier Riley, descended from County Cavan immigrants, her father, Hugh Bain Gilray, was the son of Dr. Alexander Gilray, a founder of the United Church of Canada and of the College Street Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Canada. Nancy was a 1948 graduate of Rosary College, River Forest, Illinois. She and her family had a strong connection to the college's founding order, the Sinsinawa Dominicans. Nancy took a bachelor's degree in library science and worked as a librarian for over 30 years, beginning with her service in the USO as a librarian at Ft. Riley, Kansas, and ending with her service as librarian for the City of Orlando, Florida. In between, she served as librarian on the many Army posts where her husband, Bill was stationed, including at the Missile Command in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1949 Nancy married William Charles McHugh of Rahway, New Jersey. She met Bill at Ft. Riley, and they began a peregrinating military life, bringing 10 children into the world along the way. Family memories are recalled by the addresses of the homes the family lived in from time to time. In 1970 Nancy and Bill moved to Florida, and established their home there. Unfortunately, their marriage ended. Nancy continued to work as a librarian and contribute to her community in Central Florida. In 1974, Nancy married Arthur Ahlin, a patron of the Maitland Public Library, where Nancy worked. Arthur brought 2 adult children to the marriage, and then there were twelve. By 1994, Nancy and Art relocated to Eugene, Oregon, and enjoyed a fulfilling retirement. They loved to travel and garden, and enjoyed reading groups, particularly reading plays. When Art's health began to fail, they relocated to Portland, Oregon and were there until his death on July 21, 2012. In October 2012, Nancy relocated once again, this time to Yreka, California, to be near her eldest daughter. She had a vibrant life, enjoying up to the very last the company of her family and friends. The Friday before her death, she attended her first Red Hat Tea, and loved it. Nancy is predeceased by her husband, Arthur Ahlin and her daughter Sara Ann McHugh Zigler. She is survived by her children: Sherri Ahlin Cleary (Donald), Lee Ahlin (Don), Mary Frances McHugh (Joe Allison), William Michael McHugh (Tricia), Lucy McHugh (Elias Ruiz), Martha E. McHugh, Barbara McHugh, John McHugh (Ana Maia), Teresa McHugh-Lieberman, Patrice McHugh, and Nancy "Mac" McHugh. Nancy is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Nancy's dear caregivers Debby Levis and Renee McNally along with the staff at Meadowlark Assisted Living. The family also thanks Father Joselito Opolito of St Joseph's Catholic Church for attending Nancy and Madrone Hospice for the tender, generous care of Nancy in her last days. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Nancy Ahlin

November 16, 1926 - April 26, 2014