Audrey (Robesky) Cummings, June 24, 1921 - September 22, 2018
An exuberant spirit has been called home by her Father. Her lifelong friends called her Audrey. Her many former students called her Mrs. Robesky. Her first grandchild called her "Nana" and that moniker has stuck with her...
Mrs Robesky was my junior high Language Arts teacher for both 7th and 8th grade. Although I am retired from teaching junior high and high school English, I still remember the excitement of reading The Lottery and the discussion that followed, of learning about Edgar Allen Poe and how his tragic life experiences were reflected in his poetry, of watching An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and theorizing about the plot and the main character's thoughts, and so much more. Although she...
Nancy Rink (Galpin)
October 08, 2018 | Bakersfield, CA
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1
She was by far my favorite teacher ever. I learned so much from her and I loved our talks where she gave me so much good advice. She was a great motivator and those who were not fortunate enough to have her as a teacher do not know what they missed.
Shari Ortiz Punt Compton Jr. High
October 04, 2018
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1
I will never forget my junior high English teacher. She made an incredible mark on my education and my love and appreciation for reading. Rest in peace Mrs. Robesky.
October 04, 2018
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1
What a remarkable legacy. I am one of those former students impacted by her teaching. I followed in her footsteps as an ELA teacher and will soon become a teacher of teachers. Mrs. Robesky will always have a special place in my heart and mind.
Stephanie Loomis (ne. Tuey)
October 04, 2018 | Marietta, GA
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1
Audrey, you always came into GEC with a smile. You will be missed here. Love and light.
Danielle GEC
October 04, 2018
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1
Your nana was a special lady. I was blessed to get to know her at Bible Study Fellowship. A lady of faith and kindness. You were blessed
Toni Highfill
October 03, 2018
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1
I always admired Nana's generosity and her strength. I love that she would be quick to share anything but didn't put up with non-sense. She will definitely be missed!
Jason Groves
October 03, 2018 | Bakersfield, CA
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1
Sorry for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort bring you peace, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7
HAM
October 03, 2018
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1
Audrey (Robesky) Cummings, June 24, 1921 - September 22, 2018
An exuberant spirit has been called home by her Father. Her lifelong friends called her Audrey. Her many former students called her Mrs. Robesky. Her first grandchild called her \"Nana\" and that moniker has stuck with her loving descendants for nearly 50 years now. She was smart, beautiful, kind and strong. She made friends everywhere she went. All who knew her were blessed to have her in their lives.
Nana was born Audrey Beulah Hughes on June 24, 1921 at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, as the only child to Joe and Dorothy Hughes. Her parents instilled in her a love of nature. The family could be found camping in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite, clamming in Pismo or hunting fresh mushrooms in the cow pastures west of town that have long since been covered by massive housing developments. Audrey spent many days swimming in the Union Avenue plunge, catching a matinee at the Fox Theater, or enjoying ice cream at Dewar's. She had a rich Bakersfield upbringing, which gave her the great confidence and kindness she would carry throughout her life. She almost seemed incapable of complaining and, following her Savior's teachings, she did not judge others. Importantly, she had a strong belief in redemption.
Audrey was educated at Lowell Elementary, Emerson Jr. High, and Kern County Union High School. There, she was a member of the Girls Athletic Association, President of the \"Shriekers\" rally club and on the girls' swim team. She was also a cheerleader and was elected as Student Body Secretary her senior year. In addition, she was honored to be elected as Queen of the Military Ball before graduating in 1939. Audrey loved KCUHS. Until she stopped driving, Nana proudly sported a \"Once A Driller, Always a Driller\" bumper sticker on her cars. After High School, Audrey enrolled at UCLA, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in English and Language Arts. She joined the Alpha Phi Sorority and was selected to be the sorority's House Manager. She enjoyed going to UCLA football games and cruising around Los Angeles with friends. Audrey later wrote that \"UCLA turned out to be a tremendous challenge, and I loved every minute of it.\"
Her first date with Kenneth Robesky was the summer before she went to UCLA. Ken was a star football player at Stanford University and became an All-American player on the 1941 undefeated Rose Bowl Champion Indians. She and Ken casually dated during college and when Ken was on leave from the Navy. When Audrey invited Ken to a Christmas Formal at the Mira Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, he accepted her invitation and, that night, he won her heart. Shortly after that evening, they became engaged. Audrey finished her senior year of college with a new-found motivation, as she was excited to become Mrs. Kenneth L. Robesky.
Audrey graduated in early June 1943 and was married to Ken by the end of the month. He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Base at the time which was near Chicago. Ken and Audrey were married in a small chapel nearby on June 30, 1943. They lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago and Ken would take the L train to the base.
While there, Audrey became pregnant with their first child. When Ken got transferred to Midshipman's School for officer's training, Audrey returned to Bakersfield to give birth to their son, Thomas Joseph, at Miss Freise's Maternity Hospital on June 5, 1944. It was the day before D-Day. Her father sent a telegraph to Ken with the good news. When the Navy stationed Ken in Charleston, South Carolina, Audrey and her six-week old baby rode the train from Barstow to Chicago and then on to South Carolina. Their final move as a Navy family was to San Francisco, where they lived until Ken was discharged in May, 1944.
They bought a home in La Crescenta, Ca., where Ken began working for Barker Brothers. On March 5, 1948 they welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Kathryn Ann, to the world. They would later buy a larger home in La Canada. Ken decided to change careers, so he attended USC and earned his Teaching Credential. Then they moved home, to the town they both loved, so Ken could begin what was to become a long career in education at his Alma Mater, now renamed Bakersfield High School.
They purchased their home in Bakersfield in 1954. Audrey would remain in that home until she passed away 64 years later. In 1970 Ken and Audrey purchased a trailer overlooking Avila Bay. It was the source of wonderful memories and profound joy to family and friends.
After spending 13 years as a devoted mother and housewife, Audrey attended the local extension of Fresno State University where she earned an additional Bachelor's Degree in Education and a California Teacher's Credential. She then taught for four years in the Sunset District before becoming a 25-year educator for the Bakersfield City School District at Compton Jr. High School. She taught Gate English classes and Spanish. She loved teaching and made amazing friendships during her career. Audrey retired in 1981 to enjoy being Nana. Over the years since her retirement, Audrey came across countless former students, who thanked her for her relentless insistence that they be truly prepared for High School and College.
Audrey's religious origins began at an early age, as her great-grandfather, CC Hart, was the Minister at the Bakersfield Congregational Church. She attended Sunday School there and worshiped in that church throughout her teenage years. Soon after moving back to Bakersfield in 1954 they became members of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Ken taught high school age Sunday School while Audrey became active with the Northminster Presbyterian Women and San Joaquin Presbyterian Women, serving as Moderator for both groups. She also served as a Deacon, an Elder, the Pastor's Prayer Partner, and in Stephen's Ministry. Before dinner each night, Audrey would offer a toast to \"Faith, Family, and Friends... in that order\". Then we would join hands and pray. Her love of God was unshakeable until the day she left us to join Him. It was that unwavering faith that gave her the strength to persevere through several heartbreaking events that occurred during her 97-year lifespan.
On May 21, 1977 her husband, Ken Robesky who was then Principal at BHS, died unexpectedly from a heart attack at age 57. It was a crushing blow to all who loved him. Audrey was hurt terribly by Ken's death, but knew in her heart that Ken had gone to be with God.
In December of 1982 Audrey married Jim Cummings. Jim treated Audrey like the queen that she was, traveling to foreign lands and engaging in many social activities. Tragedy would strike again on Sept. 22, 1988 when Tommy, at age 44 and father of five, also died unexpectedly from heart disease. Audrey had lost her only son. Once again, it was faith that allowed her to endure the pain. Then, in October of 1990, Audrey's second husband, Jim, passed away.
The final heartbreak came when Audrey's only daughter, Kathy, died on July 13, 2013, after a long struggle with cancer. It had come on suddenly. One day Kathy was working at the job she loved as a charge nurse at Memorial Hospital, the next day she became very ill, and the following day she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Audrey had outlived both of her beloved children. At 92, her vision and hearing were poor, but her memory and mental acuity were strong. With the help of her loving son-in law, Don, she was able to maintain a busy and rich lifestyle. He had promised Kathy he would take care of her mom after she died, and that's what he did for the last five years. She took care of him too. \"For the first six months following Kath's death, I was an emotional wreck. She was the strong one, not me\", Don said. \"I'm not sure what I would have done without her love and support during that time. Once again, it was that relentless faith in God that gave her the strength. He carried us both through those times.\"
Nana talked to the lord a lot during her final days, sometimes out-loud. It is evident to all of us who so loved this wonderful lady that, in the end, she was ready to join Him. There was a tremendous reunion happening in Heaven that day, as Nana was greeted by all those who loved her so much.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Hughes, husband Kenneth L. Robesky, son Thomas J. Robesky, daughter Kathryn A. Johnson and second husband James E. Cummings. She was also preceded by a host of the Robesky and Hughes families and numerous very close friends. These include Fred and Barbara Strickler, Lloyd and Barbara Knudson, and Mary Ann Curry, among many others.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Sharon Oldfield (Steve), Son-in-law Donald Johnson and 9 grandchildren; Michele Bryant, Joseph Johnson, Allison Robesky, Deidre Patin, Zachary Johnson, Kenneth C. Robesky, Gabriel Johnson, William Robesky and Sonia Robesky. She also had 18 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, many cousins, nephews and nieces. She had a very long and special relationship with 3 of those nieces, Sonia DeHazes, Donna Stoll and Roberta Bender. Her very close friends of many years include her \"Amiga\" Marion Maurer, Brenda Boggs Newman and Pat and Bill Antongiovanni.
Special Thanks to Optimal Hospice, and especially to Allie Robesky, who cared for Nana night and day, with loving tenderness, during her entire time in hospice care.
Services are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5th at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3700 Union Ave, at 11 am. Graveside Services will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd.
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Audrey (Robesky) Cummings, June 24, 1921 - September 22, 2018
An exuberant spirit has been called home by her Father. Her lifelong friends called her Audrey. Her many former students called her Mrs. Robesky. Her first grandchild called her \"Nana\" and that moniker has stuck with her...
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Audrey (Robesky) Cummings, June 24, 1921 - September 22, 2018
An exuberant spirit has been called home by her Father. Her lifelong friends called her Audrey. Her many former students called her Mrs. Robesky. Her first grandchild called her \"Nana\" and that moniker has stuck with her loving descendants for nearly 50 years now. She was smart, beautiful, kind and strong. She made friends everywhere she went. All who knew her were blessed to have her in their lives.
Nana was born Audrey Beulah Hughes on June 24, 1921 at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, as the only child to Joe and Dorothy Hughes. Her parents instilled in her a love of nature. The family could be found camping in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite, clamming in Pismo or hunting fresh mushrooms in the cow pastures west of town that have long since been covered by massive housing developments. Audrey spent many days swimming in the Union Avenue plunge, catching a matinee at the Fox Theater, or enjoying ice cream at Dewar's. She had a rich Bakersfield upbringing, which gave her the great confidence and kindness she would carry throughout her life. She almost seemed incapable of complaining and, following her Savior's teachings, she did not judge others. Importantly, she had a strong belief in redemption.
Audrey was educated at Lowell Elementary, Emerson Jr. High, and Kern County Union High School. There, she was a member of the Girls Athletic Association, President of the \"Shriekers\" rally club and on the girls' swim team. She was also a cheerleader and was elected as Student Body Secretary her senior year. In addition, she was honored to be elected as Queen of the Military Ball before graduating in 1939. Audrey loved KCUHS. Until she stopped driving, Nana proudly sported a \"Once A Driller, Always a Driller\" bumper sticker on her cars. After High School, Audrey enrolled at UCLA, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in English and Language Arts. She joined the Alpha Phi Sorority and was selected to be the sorority's House Manager. She enjoyed going to UCLA football games and cruising around Los Angeles with friends. Audrey later wrote that \"UCLA turned out to be a tremendous challenge, and I loved every minute of it.\"
Her first date with Kenneth Robesky was the summer before she went to UCLA. Ken was a star football player at Stanford University and became an All-American player on the 1941 undefeated Rose Bowl Champion Indians. She and Ken casually dated during college and when Ken was on leave from the Navy. When Audrey invited Ken to a Christmas Formal at the Mira Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, he accepted her invitation and, that night, he won her heart. Shortly after that evening, they became engaged. Audrey finished her senior year of college with a new-found motivation, as she was excited to become Mrs. Kenneth L. Robesky.
Audrey graduated in early June 1943 and was married to Ken by the end of the month. He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Base at the time which was near Chicago. Ken and Audrey were married in a small chapel nearby on June 30, 1943. They lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago and Ken would take the L train to the base.
While there, Audrey became pregnant with their first child. When Ken got transferred to Midshipman's School for officer's training, Audrey returned to Bakersfield to give birth to their son, Thomas Joseph, at Miss Freise's Maternity Hospital on June 5, 1944. It was the day before D-Day. Her father sent a telegraph to Ken with the good news. When the Navy stationed Ken in Charleston, South Carolina, Audrey and her six-week old baby rode the train from Barstow to Chicago and then on to South Carolina. Their final move as a Navy family was to San Francisco, where they lived until Ken was discharged in May, 1944.
They bought a home in La Crescenta, Ca., where Ken began working for Barker Brothers. On March 5, 1948 they welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Kathryn Ann, to the world. They would later buy a larger home in La Canada. Ken decided to change careers, so he attended USC and earned his Teaching Credential. Then they moved home, to the town they both loved, so Ken could begin what was to become a long career in education at his Alma Mater, now renamed Bakersfield High School.
They purchased their home in Bakersfield in 1954. Audrey would remain in that home until she passed away 64 years later. In 1970 Ken and Audrey purchased a trailer overlooking Avila Bay. It was the source of wonderful memories and profound joy to family and friends.
After spending 13 years as a devoted mother and housewife, Audrey attended the local extension of Fresno State University where she earned an additional Bachelor's Degree in Education and a California Teacher's Credential. She then taught for four years in the Sunset District before becoming a 25-year educator for the Bakersfield City School District at Compton Jr. High School. She taught Gate English classes and Spanish. She loved teaching and made amazing friendships during her career. Audrey retired in 1981 to enjoy being Nana. Over the years since her retirement, Audrey came across countless former students, who thanked her for her relentless insistence that they be truly prepared for High School and College.
Audrey's religious origins began at an early age, as her great-grandfather, CC Hart, was the Minister at the Bakersfield Congregational Church. She attended Sunday School there and worshiped in that church throughout her teenage years. Soon after moving back to Bakersfield in 1954 they became members of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Ken taught high school age Sunday School while Audrey became active with the Northminster Presbyterian Women and San Joaquin Presbyterian Women, serving as Moderator for both groups. She also served as a Deacon, an Elder, the Pastor's Prayer Partner, and in Stephen's Ministry. Before dinner each night, Audrey would offer a toast to \"Faith, Family, and Friends... in that order\". Then we would join hands and pray. Her love of God was unshakeable until the day she left us to join Him. It was that unwavering faith that gave her the strength to persevere through several heartbreaking events that occurred during her 97-year lifespan.
On May 21, 1977 her husband, Ken Robesky who was then Principal at BHS, died unexpectedly from a heart attack at age 57. It was a crushing blow to all who loved him. Audrey was hurt terribly by Ken's death, but knew in her heart that Ken had gone to be with God.
In December of 1982 Audrey married Jim Cummings. Jim treated Audrey like the queen that she was, traveling to foreign lands and engaging in many social activities. Tragedy would strike again on Sept. 22, 1988 when Tommy, at age 44 and father of five, also died unexpectedly from heart disease. Audrey had lost her only son. Once again, it was faith that allowed her to endure the pain. Then, in October of 1990, Audrey's second husband, Jim, passed away.
The final heartbreak came when Audrey's only daughter, Kathy, died on July 13, 2013, after a long struggle with cancer. It had come on suddenly. One day Kathy was working at the job she loved as a charge nurse at Memorial Hospital, the next day she became very ill, and the following day she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Audrey had outlived both of her beloved children. At 92, her vision and hearing were poor, but her memory and mental acuity were strong. With the help of her loving son-in law, Don, she was able to maintain a busy and rich lifestyle. He had promised Kathy he would take care of her mom after she died, and that's what he did for the last five years. She took care of him too. \"For the first six months following Kath's death, I was an emotional wreck. She was the strong one, not me\", Don said. \"I'm not sure what I would have done without her love and support during that time. Once again, it was that relentless faith in God that gave her the strength. He carried us both through those times.\"
Nana talked to the lord a lot during her final days, sometimes out-loud. It is evident to all of us who so loved this wonderful lady that, in the end, she was ready to join Him. There was a tremendous reunion happening in Heaven that day, as Nana was greeted by all those who loved her so much.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Hughes, husband Kenneth L. Robesky, son Thomas J. Robesky, daughter Kathryn A. Johnson and second husband James E. Cummings. She was also preceded by a host of the Robesky and Hughes families and numerous very close friends. These include Fred and Barbara Strickler, Lloyd and Barbara Knudson, and Mary Ann Curry, among many others.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Sharon Oldfield (Steve), Son-in-law Donald Johnson and 9 grandchildren; Michele Bryant, Joseph Johnson, Allison Robesky, Deidre Patin, Zachary Johnson, Kenneth C. Robesky, Gabriel Johnson, William Robesky and Sonia Robesky. She also had 18 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, many cousins, nephews and nieces. She had a very long and special relationship with 3 of those nieces, Sonia DeHazes, Donna Stoll and Roberta Bender. Her very close friends of many years include her \"Amiga\" Marion Maurer, Brenda Boggs Newman and Pat and Bill Antongiovanni.
Special Thanks to Optimal Hospice, and especially to Allie Robesky, who cared for Nana night and day, with loving tenderness, during her entire time in hospice care.
Services are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5th at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3700 Union Ave, at 11 am. Graveside Services will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd.
Audrey (Robesky) Cummings, June 24, 1921 - September 22, 2018
An exuberant spirit has been called home by her Father. Her lifelong friends called her Audrey. Her many former students called her Mrs. Robesky. Her first grandchild called her \"Nana\" and that moniker has stuck with her loving descendants for nearly 50 years now. She was smart, beautiful, kind and strong. She made friends everywhere she went. All who knew her were blessed to have her in their lives.
Nana was born Audrey Beulah Hughes on June 24, 1921 at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, as the only child to Joe and Dorothy Hughes. Her parents instilled in her a love of nature. The family could be found camping in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite, clamming in Pismo or hunting fresh mushrooms in the cow pastures west of town that have long since been covered by massive housing developments. Audrey spent many days swimming in the Union Avenue plunge, catching a matinee at the Fox Theater, or enjoying ice cream at Dewar's. She had a rich Bakersfield upbringing, which gave her the great confidence and kindness she would carry throughout her life. She almost seemed incapable of complaining and, following her Savior's teachings, she did not judge others. Importantly, she had a strong belief in redemption.
Audrey was educated at Lowell Elementary, Emerson Jr. High, and Kern County Union High School. There, she was a member of the Girls Athletic Association, President of the \"Shriekers\" rally club and on the girls' swim team. She was also a cheerleader and was elected as Student Body Secretary her senior year. In addition, she was honored to be elected as Queen of the Military Ball before graduating in 1939. Audrey loved KCUHS. Until she stopped driving, Nana proudly sported a \"Once A Driller, Always a Driller\" bumper sticker on her cars. After High School, Audrey enrolled at UCLA, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in English and Language Arts. She joined the Alpha Phi Sorority and was selected to be the sorority's House Manager. She enjoyed going to UCLA football games and cruising around Los Angeles with friends. Audrey later wrote that \"UCLA turned out to be a tremendous challenge, and I loved every minute of it.\"
Her first date with Kenneth Robesky was the summer before she went to UCLA. Ken was a star football player at Stanford University and became an All-American player on the 1941 undefeated Rose Bowl Champion Indians. She and Ken casually dated during college and when Ken was on leave from the Navy. When Audrey invited Ken to a Christmas Formal at the Mira Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, he accepted her invitation and, that night, he won her heart. Shortly after that evening, they became engaged. Audrey finished her senior year of college with a new-found motivation, as she was excited to become Mrs. Kenneth L. Robesky.
Audrey graduated in early June 1943 and was married to Ken by the end of the month. He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Base at the time which was near Chicago. Ken and Audrey were married in a small chapel nearby on June 30, 1943. They lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago and Ken would take the L train to the base.
While there, Audrey became pregnant with their first child. When Ken got transferred to Midshipman's School for officer's training, Audrey returned to Bakersfield to give birth to their son, Thomas Joseph, at Miss Freise's Maternity Hospital on June 5, 1944. It was the day before D-Day. Her father sent a telegraph to Ken with the good news. When the Navy stationed Ken in Charleston, South Carolina, Audrey and her six-week old baby rode the train from Barstow to Chicago and then on to South Carolina. Their final move as a Navy family was to San Francisco, where they lived until Ken was discharged in May, 1944.
They bought a home in La Crescenta, Ca., where Ken began working for Barker Brothers. On March 5, 1948 they welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Kathryn Ann, to the world. They would later buy a larger home in La Canada. Ken decided to change careers, so he attended USC and earned his Teaching Credential. Then they moved home, to the town they both loved, so Ken could begin what was to become a long career in education at his Alma Mater, now renamed Bakersfield High School.
They purchased their home in Bakersfield in 1954. Audrey would remain in that home until she passed away 64 years later. In 1970 Ken and Audrey purchased a trailer overlooking Avila Bay. It was the source of wonderful memories and profound joy to family and friends.
After spending 13 years as a devoted mother and housewife, Audrey attended the local extension of Fresno State University where she earned an additional Bachelor's Degree in Education and a California Teacher's Credential. She then taught for four years in the Sunset District before becoming a 25-year educator for the Bakersfield City School District at Compton Jr. High School. She taught Gate English classes and Spanish. She loved teaching and made amazing friendships during her career. Audrey retired in 1981 to enjoy being Nana. Over the years since her retirement, Audrey came across countless former students, who thanked her for her relentless insistence that they be truly prepared for High School and College.
Audrey's religious origins began at an early age, as her great-grandfather, CC Hart, was the Minister at the Bakersfield Congregational Church. She attended Sunday School there and worshiped in that church throughout her teenage years. Soon after moving back to Bakersfield in 1954 they became members of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Ken taught high school age Sunday School while Audrey became active with the Northminster Presbyterian Women and San Joaquin Presbyterian Women, serving as Moderator for both groups. She also served as a Deacon, an Elder, the Pastor's Prayer Partner, and in Stephen's Ministry. Before dinner each night, Audrey would offer a toast to \"Faith, Family, and Friends... in that order\". Then we would join hands and pray. Her love of God was unshakeable until the day she left us to join Him. It was that unwavering faith that gave her the strength to persevere through several heartbreaking events that occurred during her 97-year lifespan.
On May 21, 1977 her husband, Ken Robesky who was then Principal at BHS, died unexpectedly from a heart attack at age 57. It was a crushing blow to all who loved him. Audrey was hurt terribly by Ken's death, but knew in her heart that Ken had gone to be with God.
In December of 1982 Audrey married Jim Cummings. Jim treated Audrey like the queen that she was, traveling to foreign lands and engaging in many social activities. Tragedy would strike again on Sept. 22, 1988 when Tommy, at age 44 and father of five, also died unexpectedly from heart disease. Audrey had lost her only son. Once again, it was faith that allowed her to endure the pain. Then, in October of 1990, Audrey's second husband, Jim, passed away.
The final heartbreak came when Audrey's only daughter, Kathy, died on July 13, 2013, after a long struggle with cancer. It had come on suddenly. One day Kathy was working at the job she loved as a charge nurse at Memorial Hospital, the next day she became very ill, and the following day she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Audrey had outlived both of her beloved children. At 92, her vision and hearing were poor, but her memory and mental acuity were strong. With the help of her loving son-in law, Don, she was able to maintain a busy and rich lifestyle. He had promised Kathy he would take care of her mom after she died, and that's what he did for the last five years. She took care of him too. \"For the first six months following Kath's death, I was an emotional wreck. She was the strong one, not me\", Don said. \"I'm not sure what I would have done without her love and support during that time. Once again, it was that relentless faith in God that gave her the strength. He carried us both through those times.\"
Nana talked to the lord a lot during her final days, sometimes out-loud. It is evident to all of us who so loved this wonderful lady that, in the end, she was ready to join Him. There was a tremendous reunion happening in Heaven that day, as Nana was greeted by all those who loved her so much.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Hughes, husband Kenneth L. Robesky, son Thomas J. Robesky, daughter Kathryn A. Johnson and second husband James E. Cummings. She was also preceded by a host of the Robesky and Hughes families and numerous very close friends. These include Fred and Barbara Strickler, Lloyd and Barbara Knudson, and Mary Ann Curry, among many others.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Sharon Oldfield (Steve), Son-in-law Donald Johnson and 9 grandchildren; Michele Bryant, Joseph Johnson, Allison Robesky, Deidre Patin, Zachary Johnson, Kenneth C. Robesky, Gabriel Johnson, William Robesky and Sonia Robesky. She also had 18 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, many cousins, nephews and nieces. She had a very long and special relationship with 3 of those nieces, Sonia DeHazes, Donna Stoll and Roberta Bender. Her very close friends of many years include her \"Amiga\" Marion Maurer, Brenda Boggs Newman and Pat and Bill Antongiovanni.
Special Thanks to Optimal Hospice, and especially to Allie Robesky, who cared for Nana night and day, with loving tenderness, during her entire time in hospice care.
Services are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5th at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3700 Union Ave, at 11 am. Graveside Services will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd.
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Danielle GEC","city":null,"state":{"code":null,"name":null},"date":"10/04/2018","relationship":null,"photo":{"url":null,"width":0,"height":0,"caption":""},"iconUrl":null,"video":{"id":null},"audioUrl":null}},{"node":{"id":"Q29uZG9sZW5jZToxNTIxNjY4MzU=","condolenceId":152166835,"likes":null,"name":{"firstName":"Toni","lastName":"Highfill"},"message":"Your nana was a special lady. I was blessed to get to know her at Bible Study Fellowship. A lady of faith and kindness. You were blessed","city":null,"state":{"code":null,"name":null},"date":"10/03/2018","relationship":null,"photo":{"url":null,"width":0,"height":0,"caption":""},"iconUrl":null,"video":{"id":null},"audioUrl":null}},{"node":{"id":"Q29uZG9sZW5jZToxNTIxNTg5NDc=","condolenceId":152158947,"likes":null,"name":{"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Groves"},"message":"I always admired Nana's generosity and her strength. I love that she would be quick to share anything but didn't put up with non-sense. She will definitely be missed!","city":"Bakersfield","state":{"code":"CA ","name":"California"},"date":"10/03/2018","relationship":null,"photo":{"url":null,"width":0,"height":0,"caption":""},"iconUrl":null,"video":{"id":null},"audioUrl":null}},{"node":{"id":"Q29uZG9sZW5jZToxNTIxNDE4ODk=","condolenceId":152141889,"likes":null,"name":{"firstName":"","lastName":""},"message":"Sorry for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort bring you peace, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7
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