Gloria Anne Preston Ahearn, 81, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2011 in Burbank, CA, after a sudden illness. She had lived in West Palm Beach from 1964-2001, where she raised a family a was a well-known teacher and community advocate. Gloria was born in Chattanooga, TN and spent her early childhood travelling around the world with her family. The years spent in Honolulu during the 1930's were idyllic and were the foundation for her deep love of all things Hawaiian. Gloria graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus, GA and earned her Bachelor;s degree in Business from The University of Georgia. After college, Gloria secured a position with the Department of State in Washington DC and was posted to Paris, France; Vienna, Austria; and was promoted to Vice Consul in Toronto, Canada. It was in Vienna that she met her future husband, Kenneth Ahearn from Boston. Gloria and Ken married in 1957 and lived in New York City as well as Philadelphia, PA, and had three children; Liza, Suzy, and Preston. The family moved to West Palm Beach, FL in 1964. Gloria was a teacher at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach for 35 years where she primarily taught Junior High English. She was an indispensable and honored member of the faculty and taught hundreds of students who will never forget her. In addition to her tireless work as a teacher and also with the school's theater, Gloria continued to travel the world as a tour leader for students every summer. As a longtime member for the City of West Palm Beach Public Library Board and its onetime Chair, she once again proved her dedication to the community of West Palm Beach. Upon retirement in 2001, Gloria and Ken moved to California to be near their three children. For the last ten years, the enjoyed their leisure in San Clemente and then Burbank, CA. Gloria was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of The Assistance League of Southern California where she worked as a volunteer for The Nine O'Clock Players Theater for Children. Gloria is survived by her husband of 54 years, Kenneth J. Ahearn; her daughter Liza Ahearn Lynn (Michael), daughter, Suzy Ahearn; son Preston, and her sister, Eve Preston Zanon. A Memorial Service was held on Monday, July 18, 2011 in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity, or to The Assistance League of Southern California in her name.