AUDREY WALSH

AUDREY WALSH
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Audrey Marie Walsh, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (GiGi), and dear friend, who peacefully left us on November 28th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, showing her strength and perseverance until the very end.

Audrey was a charismatic woman of many hats - literally and figuratively. Whether it was her gardening hats, sailing hats, Florida hats, Happy Hour hats, or beach hats, they always matched her lively personality. But above all, she wore her family hat most proudly. Camp at Loon Lake and her family were at the heart of everything she did.

Born Audrey McKinnon on June 29th, 1930, in Port Arthur, to Malcolm and Gladys McKinnon (Geurard). She grew up in Fort William alongside her big sister Maxine (Lecky) where both beautiful sisters shone brightly at academics, figure skating and dancing. Audrey's early life was full of vitality - she was tiny but fierce and she carried that spirit with her throughout her years, gathering many lifelong friends along the way. Her zest for life and her deep appreciation for her family roots began at a very young age - she was just 10 days old the first time she visited Loon Lake, arriving by Livery Limo, where her family had already established a longstanding connection.

Audrey married her soulmate, Louis (Oos) Walsh, in 1949 and she made the giant leap from the West side of Loon Lake to the East side. "Oos & Audie" shared many laughs, a love for adventure, the outdoors, travel, the lake, their many dogs, and each other. Oos often joked that he "chose" Audrey to sail with him because she was the lightest girl on the lake- and light boats are fast boats! She quickly became his partner in everything - from sailing, to parenting, to shuffleboard and even flying airplanes, with Audrey preferring the upside-down kind of flying! In 1954 they got their first Lightning sailboat, aptly named Bonbo after their greatest joy - their children, Bonnie and Bob. Many Bonbo's followed as they raced Lightnings together for decades earning far too many accolades and awards to list. Proud hosts of the Loon Lake Regatta, they loved to entertain and treated all sailors as extended family.

Audrey always embraced life with enthusiasm, integrity, and a touch of class. When she put her mind to something, it got done. Her tenacity and drive earned her a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, a career well-suited to her relentless organization, perfect handwriting, and compulsive labelling and rulemaking skills. A devoted educator, Audrey taught Grades 4-6 for 25 years, with most of her tenure at Sir John A. MacDonald School, where her love for learning and her students left a lasting impact.

Audrey believed in working hard so she could play even harder. For Audrey, all the hard work of managing the many tasks of daily life was always in service of the joy that followed. She earned her moments of relaxation and fun - her famous Happy Hours and nightly Loon Lake cruises with family and finding any reason to celebrate with loved ones. Audrey had the gift of festivity, it could be a birthday, the ice going out or just because it was a Tuesday, it didn't matter. No celebration was too small for Audrey, and her thoughtful gestures - like poems, cards or brownies - were a testament to her generosity and love for others. Her strong work ethic allowed her to fully embrace the things that mattered most - creating a life rich with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories.

Audrey was as brave and strong-willed as she was sweet, and as competitive and quick-witted as she was kind. Audrey understood what it took to win - qualities that often shone through, for better or worse, on the camp croquet course or "friendly" family games. She was also the most enthusiastic fan and supporter of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, never missing a chance to offer her encouragement and expert advice in all their many endeavours.

Audrey leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her love, guidance, and the many joyful memories she created for us. She is survived by her children, Bonnie (Doug) Gould, and Bob (Debbie) Walsh; her grandchildren Richard (Tina) Walsh, Lorrie Walsh (Eric Hansen), Mindy (Phil) Henry and Robbie (Jennah) Scollie, her great-grandchildren, Monica and Malcolm Walsh, Teagan and Torben Hansen, and MacKenzie and Kaylie Henry; her many dear friends and furry pal Sassy.

Audrey was predeceased by her parents Malcolm and Gladys McKinnon, husband Louis Walsh, and her sister Maxine Lecky. Audrey's passing marks the end of an era, but the love and memories she leaves behind will continue to inspire and guide all who knew her.

A special thank you to the dedicated Staff of Bethammi Long Term Care for their ongoing support and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to a charity close to your heart, or simply raise a glass and have a toast "to Audrey" for a life well lived, and we ask that you find ANY reason to celebrate all the small joys in life.

Dear Audrey, your legacy of kindness, patience, strength, love, and laughter will never be forgotten. May you forever be 29 in spirit, and may you rest in peace.

Please join us to celebrate Audrey's spectacular life at the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 Cumberland Street North on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11am. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca