Kristen Joan Whitney, 70, of Northborough, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, December 23, 2025 in her home.  

Kristen was the daughter of the late Joseph Paul and Elinor Ann (McCarthy) Ahern and the beloved wife of the late Robert Stowe Whitney.

Raised in Marlborough MA, and one of eight children, Kristen grew up in a close-knit household, which shaped her lifelong devotion to family and community. She was a graduate of Marlborough High School and Framingham State College. Early in her career, she worked as a preschool teacher at Meadowbrook Child Garden before spending over 25 years as an office administrator at Dental Associates of Marlborough. 

Kristen met her husband Bob in her hometown, where together they raised three children. She found joy in reading, practicing yoga, spending time by the ocean, cheering on Boston sports teams, and above all, being with her family. Her Catholic faith was central to her life, and she generously gave her time volunteering at the church’s thrift shop.

Compassionate and warmly good-humored, Kristen had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel at ease. This trait was especially appreciated by the many dental patients who were greeted by her friendly presence. She also poured her affection and long hugs onto her two granddaughters, whom she loved desperately and spent many summer weekends with at the beach. 

Kristen is survived by her daughter, Sarah Whitney-Poudrier, and her husband Brian Poudrier of Whitinsville; her daughter, Blair Whitney of Shrewsbury; her son, Joseph Whitney, and his wife Brittney and granddaughters, Nora and Claire of Boston. She is also survived by her siblings, Elinor Hanlon of Bedford, NH; Dennis Ahern and his wife Diane of Stuart, FL; Thomas Ahern and his wife Carol of North Attleboro, MA; Mary Ahern of Northborough, MA; John Ahern and his wife Kelly of Naples, FL; and Elizabeth Moran and her husband Martin of Southborough, MA. She also leaves a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and in-laws, with whom she shared countless holidays, celebrations, and treasured memories.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Kristen Whitney to support cancer research and patient care at the below address or website:

via mail to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 

via website: her son Joe’s Boston Marathon fundraiser: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=2520&pg=personal&px=1312432