Lavell, Audrey Mary. After a long and very full life, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2020 at Shalom Village in Hamilton, at the age of 91.
Predeceased by her daughter Barbara (Ted), son Paul and husband of over sixty-five years, Peter. She leaves behind, her children Ron (Nora), Michael (Karen), Cathy (Bill), Donna and Bernie (Carol), 16 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren and her sister Viola Kyle. Audrey was born and raised in the small village of Portage Du Fort, Quebec at the start of the Great Depression. She was the eldest of three daughters to Cecilia and William Burns. Audrey began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Quebec. She also taught kindergarten and varying elementary grades and was a supply teacher. She met her handsome husband, Peter, in Buckingham, Quebec. They married and raised their seven children there until a job change for Peter required a move to Dunnville, Ontario. Audrey and Peter had a love for travelling which they instilled in their children. Each summer was an adventure, an experience, a quest to visit a new province, state, city, or town. Each journey was a chance to renew old friendships or make new acquaintances. They were an opportunity to obtain a beginners understanding of the vastness and diversity in the world. An opportunity to gain an introduction into culture and history. Good friends and lasting friendships were a constant in Audrey and Peter’s lives. They were fortunate to have lifelong friends in each town or city in which they lived. Travelling with friends allowed their friendships to grow and enrich through the experience of exploring new countries, food, wine, history and of course a little shopping. The legendary house parties organized by Audrey, Peter and their friends for special occasions remain in all our memories. The parties were creative, unique and full of fun. In retirement, Audrey’s favourite, and cherished place to escape from the harsh Canadian winters was their home in Florida. It was extra special as she was able to spend several months every year, with her sister Viola and her husband Doug. There was always an open invitation for friends and family from up north to join them in their winter retreat. Audrey’s interests included the Theatre – Big city or small town- making pottery, cooking, card games, and travelling. She remained a devout Catholic and relied heavily on her faith throughout her life. She tried some new things with less success including sewing, swimming, bicycling, and hair cutting (never to be discussed again). She took great pride in raising her children and was proud of each of their accomplishments, big or small. She enjoyed seeing and being part of her grandchildren’s lives and seeing them grow with families of their own. She gave all her family love, encouragement, and independence. Most importantly, her children were allowed to succeed by making choices that sometimes failed but those experiences taught them that missteps were an opportunity to learn and to grow. She was born at the start of the Great Depression and died during the current Covid Pandemic. She knew suffering, loneliness, and endurance. These trials made her a strong, loving, accepting, resourceful person that we admired. We will miss her warm smile, contagious laughter, and steely eyed glare.Thanks to all the staff at Shalom Village for the care provided to our mother. Thanks to the staff at St. Joe’s Health care for stepping in and helping the residents through this traumatic time. Your willingness to go above and beyond for Audrey will always be respected and remembered especially RN Amanda. Love the Lavell family.
Private burial and service will be held Monday December 28, 2020 in keeping with Covid-19 Protocols. Online condolences jwhartfuneralhome.com
(Zoom Link zoom.us/j/98890499165?pwd=WGhrUzBOcDdSUjVIS1ZEaFFybWQwZz09 Passcode: 892078 December 28/20 11:00am ) .
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de LAVELL Audrey Mary 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Dunnville, Province: Ontario