Audrey Mae Wise

On February 14, 2016, at the age of 90, Audrey Mae Wise (nee Kirwen) passed away peacefully with family at her side in Jacksonville, Florida. Audrey grew up in Fremont, Ohio, and in 1948 married Jack L. Wise of Toledo. She spent her child-raising years in the suburban Detroit area, eventually settling in Rochester, Michigan. In 1995 she and her husband moved to Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida.

Throughout her life, Audrey's engaging personality, sunny sense of humor, and passion for life drew others to her. She loved meeting new people, and was always genuinely interested in their interests and experiences. Her quest for knowledge was lifelong. After ensuring all of her children received a college education, she went back to school and earned a Bachelor's degree at Oakland University in Rochester. Audrey enjoyed many outdoor activities, including walking, birdwatching, golfing, and cross-country skiing. She was fascinated by the ocean, and especially delighted in her walks on Amelia Island's beaches and boardwalks. Cooking was another of her passions. She was constantly trying new recipes, as attested by the vast library of cookbooks acquired over her lifetime. Most of Audrey's life was spent holding others up - encouraging them, comforting them, helping them dream big. She provided her family with the foundation needed to appreciate the most important things in life: love, joy, laughter, and care and concern for others. She will be greatly missed, but we will always remember her beautiful face, the sound of her laughter, her words of encouragement, her steadfast faith, and the warmth of her love.

Audrey was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Jack Wise; brother, Robert Kirwen; sisters, Betty and Iris Kirwen, and infant daughter, Cynthia Louise Wise. She is survived by her children, Jack (Becky) Wise, Bill (Linda) Wise, Robert (Ginna Ingram) Wise; Suzanne (Rich) Ceppos, and Sally (Dave) Coughlin; grandchildren, Ashley Wise, Michael Wise, Thomas Wise, Steven Wise, Kathleen Wise, Adam Wise, Chelsea Ceppos, Jacob Coughlin, Michaela Coughlin, and Lisa Coughlin; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at 10:00A.M. on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 709 Croghan Street, Fremont, OH, followed by a Mass of Resurrection which will begin at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Nathan Bockrath officiating. Burial will follow it St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to His Eye is on the Sparrow, 5068 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (or online at hiseyeisonthesparrow.org), or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 (or by calling 800-533-2873).

Online condolences may be expressed at www.kkchud.com.