Mrs. Audrey Irene Mitchell Purdy

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our dear mother, Audrey. For many months, mom struggled with some troubling symptoms that puzzled several doctors. We now know that it was a rare muscle disease called dermatomyositis. This disease affects the muscles proximal to the trunk and my mom's ymptoms were absolutely classic of the condition. She was having problems raising her arms, going from a sitting to standing position and finally trouble swallowing. This last symptom led us to York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill, Ontario on January 2nd, 2003. She received wonderful medical care and they were making some progress by treating her with high doses of cortisone. She fought this disease with amazing tenacity and strength and was even transferred to the rehabilitation ward to regain strength in her muscles. Unfortunately, complications set in and she was also diagnosed with endocarditis, a massive infection of the heart. She was assessed for surgery to remove the infective valve but it was determined that this option was too risky. At that time, we were told that she had a 5% chance of surviving. With the doctor's encouragement, we decided to allow them to continue treating her for the infection and to put in a feeding tube so that she did not suffer excessively. We carried on the course of treatment for the recommended 6 weeks and then discovered that the infection had worsened and there wasn't any hope for a recovery. She passed away very peacefully on March 20th, 2003 with Cathy and David, her two youngest children by her side.

We had a splendid goodbye for her on March 25th - a beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. She would have been proud and probably wondered what all the fuss was about!! What a wondrous bright light she was and the world doesn't seem the same. She was surrounded by those who loved her in the final months of her life and we were truly blessed to have had her influence and love. We all have a beautiful guardian angel now!

Please feel free to share any stories and memories that you have of Audrey. She was such a loving and caring person that touched the lives of so many.

In addition to this on-line memorial, a tree has been planted in Audrey's memory through Batesville Canada's, the worlds' largest memorial reforestation program. She would love that!

ON EAGLE'S WINGS

... and He will raise

you up on eagle's wings

bear you on the breath of dawn,

make you to shine like the sun,

and hold you in the palm

of His hand.

**************

Mrs. Audrey Irene Purdy died peacefully at York Central Hospital, Richmond Hill on Thursday, March 20, 2003. Audrey (nee Mitchell), beloved wife of the late Norman Purdy. Dearly loved mother of Norma (Dave) Comeau, Robert, Margaret (Bill) Purdy, Jane Purdy, David (Diane), Catherine (Phil) Goddard. Cherished grandmother to grandchildren Elaine, Leslie, Sonia, Andrew, Helen, Tyler, and great grandchildren Steven, Ian and Daniel. Dear sister of Margaret (Dan) Mitchell and Dorothy (Con) Harris. Predeceased by her brother Bill Mitchell. Special niece to Thelma Reade. Audrey will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for her warm and kind nature.

Friends may call at the Thompson Funeral Home, 29 Victoria St., Aurora (905-727-5421) on Monday, March 24 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service in the Chapel Tuesday at 1 p.m. Private family interment Aurora Cemetery. Donations to York Central Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.