It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Wynne Augherton Ahern, who died on Sunday, June 30, 2025, in Summerland, California.
Wynne Augherton Ahern, 60, was born on September 12, 1964, in Washington, D.C. Because of her father’s work in the Central Intelligence Agency, Wynne spent much of her childhood abroad, living in countries such as El Salvador and Brazil. These international experiences sparked her lifelong love of culture, language, and travel.
Wynne attended Denison University, where she earned a degree in History and Spanish, and later spent a formative year in Madrid through Middlebury College, studying Spanish and Iberian Studies. Her time in Spain made a lasting impression, shaping her love of cooking and inspiring one of her signature dishes: Paella. She went on to earn her JD from the University of San Francisco School of Law and worked as a commercial litigator, admired for her intelligence, perseverance, and advocacy. After 4 years in law, Wynne decided to pivot to a career in Public Relations and communications. Working her way up at Edelman, then Upstart Communications, she eventually opened her own boutique communications firm, Commstrat, in 2003, and grew it into a successful competitor in the Silicon Valley tech space. Wynne was a determined entrepreneur and respected mentor in the San Francisco tech world, acting as a mentor to other entrepreneurs on programs like the Alchemist Accelerator and Envestnet Yodlee Incubator.
It was in San Francisco, through a mutual friend, that Wynne met Ralph Kokka. They were married in a beautiful ceremony at Fort Mason in 1997 and later amicably divorced in 2014. Together they raised their twin children, Avery and Ehlen, in Piedmont, where Wynne formed some of her closest and most enduring friendships.
Wynne loved to travel and share new adventures with her children, from floating on the Amazon River, to going on safari in Kenya, to skiing in the French Alps. She believed in the joy of experiencing the world together and created countless memories that her children will cherish forever. In addition to her love for exploration, Wynne was a devoted yogi who found daily peace in her yoga rituals and translated that same dedication to running half marathons, conquering century bike rides and generally living her life with an unmatched vibrant strength.
At home, Wynne’s warmth was most evident in her kitchen. She was an extraordinary cook who brought people together around the table with meals prepared with love and care. Family and friends knew they could expect holiday feasts, birthday celebrations, and impromptu gatherings that reflected Wynne’s generous spirit. Beyond the giving atmosphere of her home, Wynne was also a master in teaching those around her, especially her kids, the art of gratitude. Her kids recall Wynne leading by example throughout their lives, from organizing donations for homeless shelters from their elementary school to delivering thanksgiving meals every year to those less fortunate.
Those who knew Wynne remember her for the way she made others feel deeply cared for. Whether she was hosting a holiday dinner, planning a friend’s birthday party, or simply reaching out with a kind word, she never missed an opportunity to let the people in her life know how much they mattered to her. Wynne was full of life, always the first to start a dance party and the last to leave the dance floor. Music was her constant companion, whether she was singing her heart out in the car, attending concerts, or turning an ordinary day into a celebration. She also had an immense love for animals, especially dogs and horses. Wynne’s love for horses was reflected in her passion for horseback riding and polo, both of which brought her endless happiness.
Wynne’s light was singular, irreplaceable and a gift to all who encountered it. Her passion, drive and determination are reflected in her many life accomplishments. Wynne’s attitude toward life was remarkable, she acted with a graceful combination of compassion for others, a drive to be better everyday and loved nothing more than bringing joy to those around her. Wynne’s family and friends will forever remember her by her acute sense of humor, contagious laughter, heartfelt generosity and her unwavering love for those around her.
The family is grateful to all who have reached out to support us during this unimaginable time. Wynne is with us all in spirit, dancing to Rihanna and raising a toast with a glass of Dom Perignon, reminding each of us to value every moment with our loved ones and to live each day as though it’s our last.
She is survived by her children, Avery and Ehlen Kokka, her dog Boatswain, her brothers Bryan Ahern and Todd Ahern, sister Deborah Ahern, her mother Virginia Phillips and her cherished cousins and friends across the globe. She was preceded in death by her biological father Tommy Ahern, her beloved step-father David Phillips and dear sister Maria Phillips.
A celebration of Wynne’s life is being planned for a later date in the Spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.