AUDREY STRATTON

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AUDREY STRATTON Audrey Stratton passed away peacefully at Grace Hospital on January 21, 2001 after a short illness. Audrey was born in 1918 in Swift Current, Sask., the eldest daughter of Joe and Constance Fownes. From an early age, she studied piano under the tutelage of her mother and, at age 18, moved to the "big city" of Winnipeg to continue her music studies and to attend the Angus School of Commerce. The depression dampened her hopes of a career as a concert pianist and in 1939 she accepted a job in the northern Manitoba mining town of Sherridan, where she met Dudley Stratton. They were married in December, 1940 and spent over 50 years together before his death in 1992. She also was predeceased by her youngest son Dennis, who died at age seven. Audrey led a very active life. She was organist, sang in the choir, and participated in many activities at St. Andrews River Heights United Church. Audrey taught piano, volunteered for many associations, and loved her summers at Lake-of-the-Woods. She also was an avid curler, golfer, and bridge player. Audrey had a great zest for life and her enthusiasm was contagious to all those she met. She and Dudley spent four years in Tanzania with the Canadian International Development Agency and had many wonderful experiences during their time in Africa. In recent years she traveled throughout Canada and the U.S. and also managed to fit in trips to Hawaii and cruises on the Mediterranean and Caribbean between her many bridge games! She is loved and will be missed by son Tim; daughters, Lynn and Heather; daughter-in-law Jane; grandchildren, Kelli, Zach and Holly, the Christie and Giles families, and her many dear friends. She was a caring, compassionate mother, wife and friend. A memorial service followed by a reception will be held for Audrey at St. Andrews River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street (at Kingsway), on Thursday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank the staff at Grace Hospital for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, we would ask you to make a donation to a charity of your choice. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2001