February 25, 1938 – February 19, 2022

 

Audrey Stewart passed away on February 19, 2022, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital at the age of 83 years.

 

Born on February 25, 1938, Audrey was the first-born child of Lance and Patricia Dowd and older sister to two brothers, Doug, and Paddy. She grew up on the family farm in the Elmworth area. There were 2 quarters of farmland, a cozy 5-room house with a coal furnace, a wood stove, and ‘running water’- two pails at a time, as mom liked to joke. They raised cattle and pigs and her dad always told her that cleaning pig pens was ‘good for your character’- she pondered that for many years. Audrey loved to reminisce about the people and events of the community. She once said, “we had a good community- that’s why people love to go back to visit”.

 

In October of 1955, Audrey married her first love, Glenn O’Connell, and together they took over farming his parents’ farm in the Rio Grande area. Over the next 19 years, they added 4 daughters and 1 son to their family. Audrey and Glenn were very involved in the community, with the Rio Grande Rodeo, Hall Board, St. Patrick’s Day Play and Dance, Christmas concerts, Catholic Woman’s League, and assisting seniors in the community. It was a good life in a good community. Tragically, Glenn passed away in 1974. The community rallied around Audrey and her family, helping to finish the harvest, and offering help wherever needed. Audrey carried on farming, driving the school bus, and raising her family for another year and a half before deciding to sell the farm and move to Grande Prairie. There she continued driving the school bus, raising the three children still at home and attending college.

 

During this time, she met a handsome fellow named Ed Stewart at a Minus One Dance and Cupid struck again. They gathered up their children and moved to a quarter section in Sexsmith. Together, Audrey and Ed had 11 children. Fortunately, their sanity was saved as not all still lived at home or under one roof. Audrey and Ed enjoyed their life in Sexsmith and became active in curling, Royal Purple, Elks, Gymkhana, GP Horse Racing Association, and several other groups. They travelled to Hawaii, Florida, other sunny locations as well as a memorable trip up the Alaska Highway.  They even spent a couple years living in Smithers, BC before Ed retired from Nelson Homes, and they made Grande Prairie their permanent home.

 

Audrey was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1998 but tried not to let this slow her down. Her determination and strength guided her through the ensuing years. She was always sure to thank those who helped her, and her concern for the wellbeing of others always took precedence over her own. Her optimism, resilience, and stamina have been an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

 

Her journey has not been easy, but she travelled it with grace and dignity, and love for all.

 

Audrey will be missed by her husband Edwin Stewart of 42 years; children Glenda (Darrell) Babkirk, Colleen (Dennis) Roessler, Kathleen (John) Turner, Casey O’Connell, and son-in-law Richard Wells; grandchildren Brett, Rory, Michelle, Dana, Krista, Chance, Mandy, Lindsay, Haden, Hannah, James and Lauren and 14 great-grandchildren; brothers Pat (Laurie) Dowd and family, and Doug Dowd and family; step-children Yvonne (Ken) Kuhn, Dwayne (Betty) Stewart, Brian (Brenda) Stewart, Darrell (Heather) Stewart, Brad (Theresa) Stewart, and Sherri (Brian) Davidson, as well as many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Joan Martineau, Darlene Stewart, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 

Audrey was predeceased by her first husband Glenn O’Connell and daughter Sharon Wells.

 

The family would like to thank Dr. James Pope and Dr. Prada for their caring and compassion.

 

The Funeral Service for Audrey Stewart will be held on February 26, 2022, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Grande Prairie, AB., with a luncheon to follow at Elks Lodge 10806 106 Street, Grande Prairie, AB.

The funeral service and luncheon are open for all family and friends to attend.

 

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Audrey Stewart to the

Parkinson Association of Alberta

#103 10901 100 Street

Grande Prairie, AB.

T8V 2M9

 

Click here to watch the Funeral Service for Audrey Mae Stewart

 

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bearcreekfuneral.com

• Date : 2022-02-19
• Location : Grande Prairie, AB.

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