Carole Ahern, age 80, of Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away on December 15, 2025. Born on November 13, 1945, Carole was the beloved only child of the late Amelia and Charles Dinse. Though she began her professional life working in accounting, she eventually turned her energy and full attention to her most cherished role: raising her four children. Carole was a woman who found great joy in culture and family. She had a deep appreciation for the arts and loved spending her time visiting museums, reading books, going to the theater, and watching movies. She enjoyed taking trips with her husband, Thomas, but was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Carole is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas K. Ahern; her loving children, Melanie Ahern, Christine Ahern, Suzanne Ausfeld (Brian), and Thomas Ahern (Kristen); and her cherished granddaughters, Margot and Molly Ahern. Visitation Friday, December 19, at 10:30 am at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd., Park Ridge until time of prayers, 12:00 p.m. to Mary Seat of Wisdom Church for Mass of the Catholic Burial, 12:30 p.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, an organization our mother really loved.