AUDREY DIANE GERSON

1929 - 2023

AUDREY DIANE (PRADY) GERSON, died Friday, March 3, 2023. She was born in Detroit, Mich., in 1929. She graduated from Central High School and studied at Wayne State University, and was an Administrative Assistant for the Professional Division of the Detroit Jewish Federation. Audrey married Joe Gerson on April 11, 1950, and they lived in Detroit before moving to Fort Wayne in 1952. They raised their family in Fort Wayne and lived there the rest of their lives. Audrey was an active volunteer in the community. She was President of B'nai Brith Women, three-term President of B'nai Jacob Sisterhood, and on the Synagogue Board of Directors. She received the Pomegranate and Lion of Judah distinguished awards for her philanthropy. She was a Parkview Foundation Silver Pillar honoree. Audrey had many causes to which she extended her time and care. In Fort Wayne these included the Civic Theater, Embassy Foundation, Arts United, Community Harvest Food Bank, Blessings In A Backpack, Fort Wayne Community Schools Clothing Bank, The Rescue Mission, Erin's House For Grieving Children, St. Mary's Soup Kitchen, Turnstone, and more. Together with her husband, they created the Audrey and Joe Gerson Jewish Free Loan Fund at the Fort Wayne Jewish Federation. She also extended her love and devotion to many organizations outside of Fort Wayne. Audrey loved gardening, especially tending to her tomato plants and roses, landscaping, knitting for family and friends, keeping up on the news, following her favorite television shows, Facebook, and spending time with family and friends. She was grateful for her care by Visiting Angels and Kingston Care Center. Audrey will be long remembered and sorely missed. Survivors include daughters, Robin Gerson (Timothy Riley), Rhonda Gerson-Hurwitz; and son, Daniel Gerson. She was "Nana" to grandchildren, Chad Gerson (Rona Palabay), Aliza (Nick) Werner, Chelsea Riley (Alfredo Vargas Bello), Kaelyn (Chris) Rawert, and Shaina Riley (Jaundre Kommer); and great-grandchildren, Natalie Elam (Jazmine Minor), Marisa Elam, Danielle (Taylor) Beck, Braden Wade, Rouge Palabay, Quinn Gerson, Athena Gerson, and Jack Rawert; sister-in-law, Susan Prady; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who are family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Calvin Prady; sister, Barbara (Stephen) Cohen; and brother, Norman Prady. Funeral service is noon Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, with calling one hour prior from 11 a.m. to noon. Interment at Jewish Cemetery, 5800 Old Decatur Road. Memorials to Audrey and Joe Gerson Jewish Free Loan Fund c/o Jewish Federation, 5200 Old Mill Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46807; Parkview Hospital Foundation, Attn: Denise Andorfer, 3844 New Vision Drive, Fort Wayne 46845; Community Harvest Food Bank, 999 East Tillman Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46816; or Planned Parenthood of Indiana, 200 South Meridian St., Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46225.