Atlanta, GA - ATLANTA - Barbara Ave McGahan, beloved wife of the late Patrick J. McGahan, passed away, with our love surrounding her, on May 22, 2026 at her home in Atlanta.

Barbara was born in Terre Haute, IN on January 28, 1934 to Anthony and Thelma Ave, and was educated at Sacred Heart School and St. Patrick High School, and graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

She became a teacher in Cincinnati, OH and was preparing to move to Chicago when her father died, changing the course of her life. She returned home, sending a prayer to her father each night to guide her forward.

An answer to that prayer was Patrick McGahan, just returned home to Terre Haute from naval service as an officer and interviewing with Cummins Engine Company. Patrick invited Barbara to the first football matchup since the end of WWII between his alma mater the University of Notre Dame and Army; this was in October, they were engaged by Christmas, and married the first weekend after Lent on April 4, 1959.

They lived in Columbus, IN, where their first three children were born, briefly moved to Atlanta, where their youngest was born, and returned to Columbus until 1975, when Patrick purchased Cummins Georgia (later Cummins South, Inc. and Cummins Power South).

Patrick and Barbara were longtime homeowners at Hilton Head Island, SC and members of Cherokee Town & Country Club, Sea Pines Country Club, and the Cathedral of Christ the King.

Barbara was an educator throughout her life, continuing as a substitute teacher and a docent at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

Barbara now joins her husband Patrick and sister Julia Arlene Ave Krieg, and their beloved parents and relatives.

She leaves her memory and guidance with us: Sheila McGahan Monardo (Paul), Dr. Thomas Patrick McGahan (Lauren), Anne McGahan Harmet (d. Jeffrey Harmet), and Mark Joseph McGahan (Meridith); beloved children and grandchildren (Clare, Joseph, Frances, Silvia, Emma, Julia, Meg, Patrick, Isabel, Henry, William, Rose, James, Teddy, and Stella), nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law Beverly McGahan Shea Kesler and brother-in-law Larry Krieg.

Barbara and her family are indebted to caregivers that supported her; they heard thoughts that might have gone unspoken to us and we are so grateful for everything brought to our family.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta on June 12, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Foundation of North Georgia:

https://cfnga.org/patrick-j-and-barbara-ave-mcgahan-endowment-fund/ or

https://cfnga.org/msgrthomas-a-kenny-endowment-fund/ ;

or Marist School http://marist.com/giving .