November 6, 1935 - August 5, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Audrey Evelyn (Donohue) Szafranski.
Audrey passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5th, 2022, with family members at her side, and further surrounded by the love of her family and friends near and far. She was truly loved and cherished by so many.
Audrey was predeceased by her beloved husband Dick Szafranski, her two brothers Lloyd and Gerald Donohue, her sister Kathleen Seaton, and her beautiful granddaughter Nikota Redhead.
She has left behind nine children: Sue Bray (Henri), Brad Wright (Marna), Scott Wright, Ronni Candelora (Randy), Jayne Anne Plitt, Jeff Wright (Barb), Missy Blair (James), Robert Wright, and Audra Wright (Sheldon). Audrey also left behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family members, and friends that will all miss her dearly.
Audrey lived an active and fulfilling life with her big family and close friends. She was born November 6th, 1935, in London, Ontario to Cora and Robert Donohue. There, she grew up with her two brothers, Lloyd, and Gerald, and two sisters, Kathleen and Rose.
In 1953, Audrey moved to Edmonton where she raised her nine children. She was employed at Woodwards Dept. store as an administrator to provide for her family.
In 1975 Audrey relocated to Salmon Arm, BC, where she resided and created a beautiful life.
Starting in 1976, she worked at "J Lanes Bowling Alley" where she spent the final twenty-five years of her working life. The bowling alley became a significant part of who she was: she loved to bowl, and all of her children and grandchildren have memories of going bowling with her though few could ever beat her!
She loved sports and often had golf, curling, or hockey playing on the TV if she wasn't out playing sports herself. She enjoyed shopping and always sparkled with her "bling". She dressed so beautifully and meticulously: coordinating her outfits with her signature jewellery and hats. Many will remember her for both that sense of style and the beauty that radiated from her, both inside and out.
Audrey was the strongest woman that many knew and certainly was the glue to the Wright family. She faced all of life's obstacles with inspiring courage and tenacity. Following her first fight with cancer, Audrey joined a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team called "Friends Abreast."
She paddled with her team for many years. Furthermore, Audrey often volunteered to raise awareness and support for both breast cancer and heart & stroke research.
Audrey had the most immaculate flower gardens that she took immense pride in. Amongst those beautiful plants, Audrey's beloved grandchildren and cats could be found playing. Her house and gardens became a gathering place for her large family, a place where children could play, and adults could visit.
Audrey took great pride in her twenty-six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, whose pictures decorated her walls and refrigerator. She enjoyed attending their many activities and events. Be it dancing at every wedding, cheering at every hockey game, or beaming at every graduation, Grandma was always there!
Audrey made big family suppers, baked the best apple pie, and always decorated her home and yard to reflect the holiday or season. Audrey was artistic and creative. She had numerous skills and all her family members have specially made items that she sewed or created. She often had a book in her hand, sports, or Jeopardy! on the TV, and lotto tickets to scratch. Audrey was a very proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy lives on in all who knew her, especially those family and friends she left behind.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society can be made in memory of Audrey Szafranski. Her celebration of life will be held later.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com