Sept 11, 1924 – January 27, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend Audrey McRae-McArthur of natural causes on January 27, 2023, at the age of 98 years.
Born in Weston, Ontario (Toronto suburbs) on September 11, 1924. Audrey graduated from Weston College and Vocational School in 1941 and going to work for Moffats Ltd. Audrey married H.A. (Bud) McRae on December 16, 1944, and moved to Alberta along with Bud’s daughter Verna in May 1946. Shortly after they had a son Robert born on January 18, 1947, and then a daughter Linda on October 15, 1949. After the kids were born, Audrey stayed home to raise them along side of taking care of chickens, turkeys and a huge garden.
Audrey went back to work in 1955 at which she started working at Sweet 16 Dress Shop in downtown Calgary. Bud was transferred to Oyen in March 1961 and the family joined shortly. Audrey went to work at the Acadia School Division right up until Bud got transferred back to Calgary in 1966. Audrey worked at the Energy Resources Conservation Board as the court stenographer and left in 1973 as Bud got transferred again to the Olds area. Here she worked for Alberta Agriculture at the Olds College until her retirement.
During all this time Audrey was also an active member of the Eastern Star in 1978, 1979, 1992 and 1998 where she served a worthy matron. She also volunteered at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #105 in Olds. Audrey enjoyed playing cards and participated in many crib tournaments over the years. In June 2018 she moved in the Michener Hill Centre in Red Deer where she made lots of friend and continued to enjoy playing cards and bingo.
Audrey was predeceased her 7 siblings; her husband Bud (1989) and 2nd husband Jim (2006); nephew Glen Verhaest (1968), Jimmy Verhaest (2015); daughter Linda (2022). She is survived by son Robert “Bob”; daughter Verna Styrlund; 9 grand children; 7 great grand children as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all – “She gave it a go”. In keeping with Audrey’s wishes there will be no service. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
