Audrey Mabel Shea

Audrey was born in Calgary to Magda and Herman Girtz, and raised by her mother with resilience, warmth, and quiet grace. From her earliest years, Audrey carried within her a gentle strength and an open heart that drew people to her. She had a gift for listening without judgment, offering comfort with just her presence, and finding joy in even the smallest of life’s moments.

As a young girl, Audrey’s world grew when her mother married George Bain and the family moved to Tilley, Alberta, where she thrived in the closeness of small-town life. Later, while studying nursing in Edmonton, she met her life partner, Bob Shea. Together, Audrey and Bob built a marriage of 67 years filled with love, respect, laughter, and adventure. Family holidays with the tent trailer were treasured times exploring the mountains and the west coast.

Audrey’s greatest devotion was to her family. As a mother, she guided her three daughters with patience, encouragement, and unconditional love. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she had a way of making each child feel uniquely cherished creating magical moments and filling their lives with joy and wonder. Her home was a gathering place where stories were shared, meals were savored, and laughter flowed easily. Audrey’s cooking, her beautiful garden, and the handmade touches she created—whether pottery or needlepoint—were all extensions of her deep care and creativity.

Giving back to the community was in Audrey’s soul. Whether delivering Meals on Wheels, comforting patients at the Cross Cancer Hospital, leading Brownies in the inner city, or entertaining seniors at church, she lived her values quietly but fully—always with compassion at the center.

Audrey’s greatest joy was simply being surrounded by those she loved. She was endlessly kind, patient, and young at heart. Her family will remember her as their safe place, their encourager, and their constant source of love and joy. She will remain forever in our hearts.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob, in 2024, she will be dearly missed by her daughters Susan Hutchings (Ron), Brenda Shea (Jay), and Linda Shea; her grandchildren Dave McCaffrey (Alanna), Andrea Alcorn (Brett), Karen Keays (Mike), Rob Hutchings (Sydney), and Geoff Flato (Kara); and her great-grandchildren Simon, Hannah, Kolbe, Michaela and Christopher Keays, Audrey and Evelyn Alcorn, Michael McCaffrey, and Hudson and Theodore Hutchings.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at McKenzie Towne, Auburn Heights Retirement Homes, and Providence Care Centre for their kindness and care.

A private funeral service will be held for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Audrey’s memory to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or to Hope Mission (9908-106 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 0N6).