Betty Ahern, a beloved Oceanside recreation department supervisor who died in Arizona on Christmas Day at age 96, will be remembered during a funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, on Anchor Aveue, on May 2.
Family, friends and generations of grateful residents will gather at the church at 9:45 a.m. to celebrate the life of Ahern, who transformed youth programming for generations, leaving behind a legacy of community dedication and service.
The Mass will be followed by interment beside Ahern’s late husband, Frank, at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. They were married for 41 years until he died in 1989. She is survived by four children — Diane, Danny, Frank Jr. and Barbara — 10 grandchildren and six great‑grandchildren; a daughter, Linda, predeceased her.
From 1955 to 1985, Ahern was the driving force behind Oceanside’s recreational activities, developing programs that touched thousands of young lives. Her commitment to youth development was evident in the countless programs she developed and the generations of Oceanside residents she influenced.
In 1965, Ahern launched the roller‑skating program that still endures today in its 60th season, and this year’s annual showcase at Oceanside Roller Skating on April 5. was dedicated in Ahern’s honor.
“She believed every child deserved a safe place to learn and play,” her daughter, Barbara McGuinness, recalled. “Mom’s energy and warmth drew volunteers, families and local businesses behind her vision.”
Born in 1928, Ahern moved to Oceanside in 1952 and, over the next three decades, committed to building the town’s youth programs. Hired by the Oceanside School District’s Recreation Department in 1955, she rose from a program leader and special events coordinator to department supervisor before retiring in 1989.
Under her guidance, the department expanded to meet the needs of an ever-increasing youth population, offering free, drop‑in enrichment at the Summer Playground and Teen Center and introducing dozens of activities — from modern dance and baton‑twirling to bowling and archery.
“She managed to develop and increase the scope of community activities as Oceanside’s youth population exploded,” McGuinness said. “Under her leadership, the recreation department grew into a highly respected organization with enormous participant numbers.”
Ahern remained a pillar of the community, serving in multiple leadership roles. She was president of the Business Women’s Association, and active in Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce. Her work went far beyond administrative duties, as she initiated and led numerous youth activities, including bowling, roller-skating, window painting and summer playground programs.
In addition, Ahern served her community through the Nassau County Recreation & Park Society, where she was treasurer from 1968–1974; the New York State Recreation & Park Society, as its area representative from 1974–1975; and the National Recreation & Park Association, as department supervisor from 1973–1989.
She also held the title of American Business Women’s Association Woman of the Year from 1979–1980 and was a two‑term president of the local Business Women’s Association. She collaborated with local leaders like Edyth DeBaun and Morty Horowitz to enrich Oceanside’s civic life.
“Life isn’t always easy, but she always seemed to make things look simple and always do the best,” McGuinness said.
After retiring, Ahern moved to Arizona in 1991 and enjoyed 35 active years where she bowled, danced, played bingo and, most importantly, cherished time with family.
A devoted wife to her late husband and mother to four children, Ahern balanced her professional achievements with strong family values. She continued working while caring for her ill husband in his final years, demonstrating the strength of character that defined her life.
Community leaders like Maria Heller worked closely with Ahern, recognizing her significant contributions to Oceanside’s social fabric.
“I met her through the Business Women’s Association, along with Edyth DeBaun, and we were good friends,” Heller said. “We used to go away together to a lot of conventions, and she was full of life. She loved every minute of it and never had a cross word to say about anybody. She never looked back. She was always very happy and upbeat, and we had a lot of good times together.”
Ahern continued working while caring for her ill husband in his final years, demonstrating the strength of character that defined her life.
“Anybody who’s been in Oceanside, like forever, knows of my mom, or somebody who’s worked for her,” McGuinness said. “She was such a great role model for everybody ... makes you want to be a better mother and a good grandmother.”
