AUDREY MARILYN DESMOND (READ)

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AUDREY MARILYN DESMOND (READ) October 15, 1934 - May 21, 2018 After a long and courageous battle, peacefully with family at her side, Audrey passed away at Riverview Health Centre. She was predeceased by her husband, the love of her life, Henry Desmond in 1993, and her brother Allan Read. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her four sons: Sterling (Rea), Terry (Ingrid), Lindsay (Kerri) and Jamie; eight grandchildren: Jennifer and Shaun (Tammy), Krysten and Jon, Serene and Durell, Kellen and Garrett, and seven great-grandchildren; her brother Raymond (Shirley) of Montreal; stepbrother Robin (Linda) of Calgary, and her best friend Dorothy Kizuk. She was a genuine human being with a kind, loving and generous heart. She was extremely hard working and will always be remembered for her positive attitude, no matter what cards life dealt her. You could not ask for a better wife, mother, mother-in-law, nana/grandma, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Audrey was born in Winnipeg and was very proud of her family heritage on her mother's side. The Gunn family came to Manitoba as part of the Lord Selkirk Settlers and settled in Transcona where they prospered and played a significant role in the development and history of Transcona. She met and later married Henry Desmond in 1952. They had a wonderful and loving 41 year marriage until his untimely passing in 1993. She worked for the Winnipeg Free Press for many years until her retirement at the age of 75. Mom will always be remembered for her undaunting courage in dealing with life, especially with her children born from an interracial marriage in the 1950s. Mom was never afraid to confront one or two ignorant teachers discriminating against a mixed child. It did not matter what the situation was, Mom would always be there to protect her sons, and by example teach us all to display humanity to others. She loved spending summers at her cottage at Sandy Hook and enjoyed many winter vacations to Hawaii, Florida, the West Coast and especially her many trips to Vegas and Caribbean Cruise with her best friend Dorothy. Mom, being more concerned about the happiness of others, even though her health was failing, continued to bake Christmas cakes and cookies as she had done throughout her life until she was no longer able. She will always be remembered for her perfectly delicious shortbread by anyone who was lucky enough to have sampled them! Nothing made Mom happier than getting family and friends together for Christmas to celebrate the joy of the season with her turkey dinners, famous stuffing, and a spread of delicious baking and snacks. Her heart and spirit will always be remembered, loved and cherished as a beacon of light, courage, hope and love. Our sincere appreciation to Dr. Miskiewicz, the staff of the Riverview Health Care Centre and the staff of the Palliative Home Care Program for your kind and respectful treatment given to our mother. Flowers gratefully declined, if friends so desire, donations can be made to a charity of one's choice in Audrey's name. As was her wish, there will be no service.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2018