Audrey Dygert

Audrey Mae Dygert Sept. 14, 1922 ~ Feb. 24, 2010 Was Born Audrey Mae Harper in Albany, California. From an early age she stood out from the crowd. An early achievement was the painting of a mural at her Albany High School. It was also a hint of an artistic lifestyle and ability that would be manifested in not just her artwork , but in all things around her : the relationship with her loving husband Justin, selfless giving to her two children - James and Miriam -, her uncanny ability to see a bright side to all things. One of her favorite statements: "Never feel badly about doing something new as long as you feel you are bettering yourself"...During her marriage to Justin she had opportunity to "travel the world", (a direct quote from Audrey herself), develop her artistry, and live in a home of her own making that would visually take your breath away.With her children Audrey spared nothing. Every detail, not unlike her paintings, was addressed. Small details like homemade tollhouse cookies and Bavarian cream, tireless hours at swim meets and horse shows, loving advice and great companionship, all with the same devoted attention and love that only comes from a Mother. Her culinary wizardry was well known. She cooked like she painted, with varied styles that were always a pleasant surprise. Audrey's water color paintings were truly a feast for the eyes. They encompassed all areas of her life. Her varied styles made you swear the work was from multiple artists. "I paint everything from the nude to the offshore drilling rig", (another direct quote from Audrey herself). Twenty years she painted on the West Coast of California. Twenty years she lived and painted on the gulf coast of Texas. All while tirelessly creating an exciting world for her husband and children. After Justin's retirement he and Audrey were partners amongst partners in a Truckee gallery. Artruckee was a success built on Audrey's talent, her many limited edition prints of the Truckee / Tahoe area and her raw sense of ability to bring art to the public. Audrey loved all creatures. Horses, dogs, cats , birds, spiders( one lived on the lip of her kitchen sink ) and more recently the menagerie of wild creatures who still grace her deck in Tahoe Donner. Audrey's humor was infectious. Over just a simple gesture she would have everyone laughing until their sides hurt. Thanksgiving and Christmas will find us at a supreme loss. The merriment diminished, the decorations not hung with such care. To quote Patrick McReynolds (her daughter's high School Friend from LaPorte , TX ) " to me she was a very gentle, very well spoken, intelligent, and more significantly, a kind and thoughtful lady. She left her mark on more lives than she may have known, and the world is diminished by the loss of this good woman." Audrey is survived by Justin her husband of 67 years, her son James, daughter in law Cynthia, Grandson Wade, Miriam her daughter and son in law Duane , sister Janet and husband Elvin, her Samoyed Tashoo, and all the people she touched and graced with her artistic talents. Audrey you will be missed. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Truckee-Tahoe Mortuary, 10126 Church Street, Truckee, Ca. (530)587-4342.