AUDREY WHITBY

Audrey F. Whitby

"Sandy"

After a brief, but courageous battle with cancer, Audrey F. Whitby, age 72, died on Saturday, September 24, 2005, at her home in Dover, DE.

She had been cared for throughout her illness by her loving family. Even to the end, instead of thinking of herself she remained more concerned that her illness was "inconveniencing" her family. Never fearful of death, her greatest concern was always for her family. This was her greatest legacy. Mrs. Whitby was born Audrey Frazier, on May 5, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Bertram Graeme and Helen Wolstenholme Frazier, Jr. Her lifelong nickname, Sandy, was an acknowledgement of her beautiful, sand-colored hair that never turned gray, despite her 72 years. Mrs. Whitby was a graduate of the Springside School, in Philadelphia, PA and the University of Delaware, where she met her husband of 50 years, John W. "Jack" Whitby, of Dover, who survives her. After college, she devoted her life to her family, raising 5 children and actively participating in the lives of her 11 grandchildren. She was a devoted member of Wyoming United Methodist Church where she had served on various boards, as well singing in the Chapel Choir. Her love of the Lord was evident to everyone who knew her, as well as dozens of people throughout the world who perhaps never met her, but benefited from her quiet but generous monetary and spiritual gifts. Besides her family and church activities, Mrs. Whitby dearly enjoyed spending time with her many friends. She also loved to read, knit, work in her garden, swim and play tennis. She had worked as a lifeguard during her youth, and always looked forward to springtime, when she could open her swimming pool and dive in again. Until recently, she played tennis regularly and loved to watch professional tennis tournaments, often staying up into the early morning hours to see if her favorite player could win just one more time.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Whitby is survived by 4 daughters, Melanie Nichols and her husband, Jon, Jennifer Best and her husband, Andy, Laurie Tonkay and her husband, Jack, and Leslie Carlson and her husband, Mark; a son, John Whitby, Jr. and his wife, Dianne; all of whom live in the Dover, DE area; and 11 grandchildren, Jon Nichols, Jr. and his wife, Susan, Robert Nichols and his fiancée, Ariane Russell, Matthew Nichols, Emily Whitby, Jay Whitby, Andy Best, Jr. and his wife, Ashley, Michael Best, Alex Tonkay, Alden Tonkay, Clayton Carlson and Madeline Carlson. She is also survived by a sister, Elaine Corey of Springville, PA; and a brother, B. Graeme Frazier, III of Blue Bell, PA.

Friends may call at PIPPIN FUNERAL HOME, 119 West Camden-Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE, on Monday, September 26, 2005, from 6-9 pm. A service will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2005, at Wyoming United Methodist Church, 112 Broad Street, Wyoming, DE, at 11 am. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Delaware Hospice Team for their exceptional end of life care and suggests donations to this organization in honor of Sandy's life at Delaware Hospice, 911 South Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; or to Wyoming United Methodist Church Building Fund, 112 Broad Street, Wyoming, DE 19934.