Audrey Ann Langslet

Audrey Ann Langslet

Audrey Ann Langslet, our loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 6, after a lengthy illness. Audrey lived life to its fullest, never declining a challenge or an adventure, and believed each day was a gift.
Audrey was born May 16, 1928, in Seattle, Washington to Roy and Anne Foss. Audrey grew up in Portland, Oregon where, during high school, she met the love of her life, Bob. Audrey attended Marylhurst Women's College in Oregon. She then moved with her parents to Long Beach, where she continued her education at Long Beach City College and Long Beach State University. In 1948, when Bob returned from serving in the Army in Japan, he came to visit Audrey in Long Beach, and never left. Bob and Audrey married in 1948, in Long Beach, where they loved living for almost 70 years together.
Compassion and caring for others were the underpinnings of Audrey's life. Audrey's love of and advocacy for children began early in her life. In 1949, Audrey became a preschool teacher at the Long Beach Day Nursery, a day care center for working parents who pay on a sliding scale. This began an association with the Day Nursery that lasted over 40 years, including as President of the Board. Audrey also served in leadership roles for other child-centered groups including the Jonathan Jaques Center, Catholic Charities, and as a founding member of the Child Development Associates, an affiliate group of the Child Development Department of Long Beach City College. Audrey was an active member of Rick Rackers where she served as Chairman. Audrey was named Rick Rackers Woman of the Year. She also was a member of Assistance League, and served as Vice Chairman of the St. Mary Medical Center Board of Trustees. Audrey was a world traveler on every continent, and took great pleasure in sharing her adventure stories and souvenirs with the family. Audrey thrived in nature. She participated in all outdoor activities, including skiing, backpacking and hiking. Her biggest hiking adventure was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Audrey was an avid runner who ran up to ten miles, six days a week. The highlight of her running career was when she carried the 1984 Olympic Torch through Belmont Shore. In 1986, Audrey was honored to be appointed as a member of the City's Task Force for the Beach Bicycle Path. During Audrey's early morning training runs and bicycle workouts, she was exposed to the plight of the homeless, which motivated her to help find a solution to homelessness in Long Beach. Audrey enthusiastically accepted an appointment to serve as Chairman of the Mayor's Task Force on the Homeless. In addition, Audrey served as Chairman of the Long Beach Mayor and City Council's Homeless Services Advisory Committee and on the Board of the Mental Health Association of Los Angeles County.
Audrey's greatest treasure was her family. We feel so fortunate to have shared our lives with her and to have so many precious memories, which will continue to enrich our lives. Audrey is survived by Bob, her husband of nearly 70 years, her children, Craig and Julie, her seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Long Beach Day Nursery at 1548 Chestnut Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813 or at www.LBDN.org. as well as WomenShelter Long Beach at WSLB, P.O. Box 17098, Long Beach, CA 90807 or www.womenshelterlb.org
Private services are under the direction of All Souls Mortuary, Long Beach. www.allsoulsmortuary.com
Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits.