Audrey Maxine Neumann

Audrey Maxine Neumann

September 13, 1935 - July 11, 2025

It is with much sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Audrey Neumann at the age of 89, in Parksville B.C.

Audrey was the third of four children born to Frederick & Marie Jones in London England. She is survived by daughter Kari (Paul), daughter in law MayBo, grandchildren Alexandra, Riley (Shevon), Jasmin (Louis) and Asia (Horace), stepdaughters Carin, Yvonne, and Diana, as well as sister Sylvia (Roger) and brother Doug (Irene) in the UK. She was predeceased by first husband James, second husband Herb, son Brad, and brother Leslie.

Audrey developed resilience and fortitude at a young age. She and her two older brothers were evacuated from London during the Blitz to a village in Devon under 'Operation Pied Piper'. Her parents divorced during the war, and she remained with the couple that gave her a new home, expressing nothing but gratitude for, and fond memories of, them. After the war her siblings also stayed with their respective new families. She wouldn't meet her sister again until she was in her early twenties.

It was a far from stable start to life, but Audrey always had a strong and adventurous spirit which served her well throughout.

Following school to become a registered Nurse, she met Jim at a village dance, and they married. They immigrated to Canada soon after, landing in Toronto where both children were born. Jim pursued a career as a musician which involved much road travel. When the children were young Audrey and kids followed Jim around the USA and Canada, living in motels while he played gigs.

Audrey was always up for an adventure and one winter drove solo from Ontario to be in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve where Jim was playing. Both kids were under 5 yrs old and the family vehicle at the time was a Karmann Ghia sports car. At 36 yrs old she left Jim to his music and took the kids out of school to travel around Europe for a year. She and Jim divorced, and she went back to school to become a teacher. It was then that she married the love of her life, Herb. Sadly, only a few years after marriage, Herb died of cancer.

She retired from teaching in Ontario to a life in Kitsilano, Vancouver in the 1980's. In retirement she travelled extensively and made great friends wherever she went.

Audrey had boundless energy and was always, 'go, go, go!' Her children and grandchildren marvelled at the blistering schedule she kept well into her 70's.

She had a keen interest in people and what they were doing, no matter what their age. She loved gatherings with friends and family over food and wine and was always the life of the party.

Audrey was a devout Christian and joined Christchurch Cathedral in Vancouver where her spirituality flourished. She spent many happy years attending church there and volunteering in various capacities.

She was also completely devoted to her family. When her father was too old to be on his own in England, she cared for him in her home until his death at 92. Even though they were far apart she always made an effort to visit her sister and the two of them were very close throughout their adult lives. She took each of her grandchildren on a trip when they were 12 yrs old, wherever in the world they wanted to go: Europe, Central America, and even Disneyland!

Audrey lived a long and full life and is dearly missed! She showed us how to live a rich, kind and joyful life, even in the face of tragedy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If people wish to donate in her honour, please consider B.C. Cancer Research or Aunt Leah's (auntleahs.org).