Audrey Mae Anderson

Audrey was born in Monte Vista, Colorado, during a legendary winter of minus-50-degree weather—a fitting beginning for someone who would go on to live life with warmth, resilience, and sparkle. She later moved with her parents to rural Illinois, where they owned and operated a country gas station and grocery store. Though she was an only child, Audrey was never alone, growing up surrounded by both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a lively circle of cousins.

She attended a one-room schoolhouse for her first eight years of education before graduating from Little York High School in Illinois. From an early age, Audrey’s passion for music shone brightly. She played the electric Hawaiian guitar and performed as part of Demings’s Hawaiian Ensemble, a group of 30 musicians that toured much of the United States and parts of Canada. In 1941, the group placed second at the National Music Convention at Niagara Falls. Audrey also had a weekly Sunday afternoon radio program with a group called The Hilo Maids and performed frequently at local events.

In 1946, Audrey married the love of her life, James R. “Jim” Anderson. Together they built a full and adventurous life in Florida, living in Hialeah, Miami Springs, Miami, and Pembroke Pines. Jim worked for Eastern Air Lines and later Pan American Airways, which took him on extended assignments to South America, London, and India. Audrey supported these journeys with grace and independence, always making home a place of warmth and welcome.

She loved being out on the water, fishing in Biscayne Bay and Marathon in the Florida Keys, and was involved in her church community, teaching children’s Sunday school at Bethel Lutheran Church in Miami. Never one to sit still, Audrey took clogging lessons and mastered intricate fancy footwork alongside her best friends, Pete and Mary.

Audrey was a legendary hostess. She delighted in planning and hosting elaborate Murder Mystery parties for family and friends, with themes ranging from a 1950s soda shop and the Roaring Twenties to Murder on the Orient Express, Chicago gangsters, and Hawaiian Island adventures. Her home was always beautifully decorated—no holiday went by without thoughtful, festive touches. She retired from Sears after 25 years of dedicated service and was rarely without the companionship of a beloved Boston Terrier by her side.

After Jim’s passing, Audrey moved to Tampa to be closer to family, where she embraced an active and joyful chapter of life. She belonged to the Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively Seniors) and enjoyed outings, ballgames, picnics, and concerts. She continued doing what she loved most—planning parties, bringing people together, and making everyone feel included.

St. Patrick’s Day was her favorite holiday, proudly celebrated with green beer and plenty of cheer. Audrey was an enthusiastic guest participant in Krewe events, including the Krewe of Grace O’Malley and the Krewe of St. Brigit, attending float-side parties at Gasparilla parades, bowling outings, fashion shows and more alongside her daughter Linda, daughter-in-law Jill and granddaughter in-law Crystal. She was famously known for always having food and snacks ready for anyone nearby.

She also loved trips to Tampa Bay Downs to watch the horse races, especially when son Kim and daughter-in-law Jill visited. She chose her horses based on the funniest names—or those that winked at her. Audrey never missed watching the Kentucky Derby, always donning a large, creative Derby hat she designed herself. Shopping was another great joy; she had a gift for finding fun, unique treasures perfectly suited for everyone she loved.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband Jim, infant daughter Nikki Lynn, parents Willard (Bill) and Annetta, and step-mother Evelyn. She is survived by her two children: daughter Linda of Tampa, and son Kim (Jill) of Winter Park; two grandsons, James (Crystal) of Tampa and Ray of Winter Park; and four great-grandchildren, Hannah, Taylor, Connor, and Cameron. Her legacy lives on through them in stories, traditions, laughter, and love.

Audrey Anderson lived a life full of music, friendship, celebration, and generosity. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Audrey’s memory may consider contributions to the following charities she held close to her heart.

Tampa Bay Humane Society: https://humanesocietytampabay.org

Dementia Spotlight Foundation: https://dementiaspotlightfoundation.org