AUDREY VIVIAN PEARSON (PEHRSON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

AUDREY VIVIAN PEARSON (nee PEHRSON) With sadness, the family of Audrey Vivian Pearson announces her passing at home on Sunday, June 16, 2013. Left to mourn are her daughters, Karin Pearson of Kailua Kona, Hawaii and Verla (Alan) Forbes, sister, Violet Giles, daughter-in-law, Melanie Pearson, three grandchildren: Jenna, Aaron and Kira and brother-in-law, Tony Wyenberg. Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Gordon in 2001, son, Gary in 2003, son-in-law, William Bill Schoppe in 2004 and in earlier years, her parents, Henry and Ellen Pehrson and parents-in-law, Nils and Esther Pearson. Audrey was born and raised in St. Vital, the eldest daughter of Henry and Ellen Pehrson. She attended both Glenwood School and Glenlawn Collegiate and upon graduation studied basic office accounting to assist her father in his construction business. Audrey was also employed for several years as a secretary with Linde Air Company, then known as Dominion Oxygen Company. As her children grew into their teens, Audrey chose to take advantage of her musical training and natural talent and began a successful professional career entertaining at the piano and organ. She was a talented and accomplished musician and Winnipeggers may remember her many appearances in various cocktail lounges and dinner rooms in the city during the 1970s and 80s. Always putting her family first, Audrey remained in Winnipeg, refusing repeated requests from the Hammond Organ Company to travel on their behalf. Taller than average, Audrey started sewing at an early age. She made her own clothes and especially enjoyed sewing for family. Karin's homemade bathing suits drew many compliments on the beaches of Hawaii. In recent years she became involved in sewing for Christmas charities, dressing hundreds of dolls each year, in her own words, Giving a whole new meaning to Christmas. Audrey was a longtime member of the Beta Sigma Phi's Business Women's Sorority, holding most offices in her chapters as well as on the sorority council; she made lasting friendships with many of her sisters . Both Gordon and Audrey were lifelong members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Winnipeg and were proud of their Scandinavian heritage. Christmas Eve at their home was a tradition for many years, leaving family and friends with many fond memories. At Audrey's request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Her wishes were, in lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in her memory may be made to the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Chapter, 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2 or to Gift of Sight, Operation Eyesight Universal, 4 Parkdale Cres., NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3T8. If you listen you will hear, My love around you soft and clear. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2013