Audrey May Thorner

Audrey May Thorner passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the age of 92 at the Arthur Child Cancer Center surrounded by her family. She is survived by children Laurie, David (Sophie), Rob and Jen (Nick); stepson Paul (Paisarn); grandchildren Serana, Nadia, Cristofer, and Michael.

Audrey was born in Brecon, Wales. No electricity, no indoor plumbing. She enjoyed a rural childhood picking chestnuts, playing in creeks, collecting bird eggs and eating wild strawberries with her best friend and next-door neighbour, cousin Ray, who remained a lifelong close friend. Her parents were devout; she attended chapel three times a day on Sunday. Then war was declared, blackout curtains hung, gas masks distributed, her father departed to serve for the British army in North Africa.

In 1943 at age nine, her mother moved her and her brother Terry to Canada, sailing on the Queen Elizabeth. They settled in Hamilton, ON. Having little money, her mother worked as a housekeeper. They moved many times in the first months with Audrey attending four schools in six months.

An observant teacher guided her to enroll in the academic high school — her parents were uneducated, her dad worked at the GlassWorks, and neither had graduated from public school. She left after grade eleven and found a job at the Hamilton Cotton Company in payroll, advancing her way up in credit management. Her intelligence was noted, and her employers supported her in earning professional bookkeeping credentials by correspondence through the University of Toronto.

She married Bill Johnston at Trinity United in 1956. They were very happy, even with little money. She supported them both while he finished his engineering degree (tuition being paid through the air force). After graduating, he got a job with Shell. Four children arrived, welcomed joyously: Laurie, David, Rob, and Jennifer. During those years, they moved for Bill’s work to Montreal, then very happily to Ottawa, and later three years in England. The family enjoyed skiing in Verbier, a camper called Snoopy, and generous visits from Uncle Ray.

Audrey and her family moved back to Canada in 1973. Bill wanted to live in the country, so they bought fifty-two acres with a very derelict house (they could afford either good land or a good house but not both) and adopted a retired track-horse named Trigger.

Tragically, Bill passed of cancer in the spring of 1977. They were both forty-three. Audrey was in university at the time completing her first degree. With four kids, a mortgage, and unfinished renovations, Bill, aware that he was dying, was adamant that Audrey remain in university. She finished her subjects and earned a BA, BSW, and MSW. She worked as a psychiatric social worker — her proudest contribution was working with families of schizophrenic patients, pushing for the transparency they deserved.

Audrey remarried in 1981 to Murray Thorner. He adored her and they moved to Cairo together for his final years before retirement. They traveled the world — China, India, Kenya, Russia, South America, and New Zealand. In 1997, taking care of the farm became more work than they wanted, and to be closer to Jen and Laurie, they moved to Calgary. Grandchildren arrived in 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2004. Murray and Audrey were overjoyed. After 30 happy years together, Murray passed in 2011.

Audrey kept going. Laurie, Jennifer, Francine, Nick, and the grandkids were her constant companions — family dinners, concerts, traveling, restaurants, and much laughter. She continued to explore and enjoy life. Italy with Laurie and Francine. The Maritimes with the DiMarzos. Hong Kong to visit David. Thailand again to visit Maldives with Paul and Paisarn. Road Scholar trips to Alaska, Cuba, Labrador, and Iceland.

As her health declined, Jen and Laurie were her support, advocates and anchors. Laurie drove her home from heart surgery. Jennifer made the decisions that saved her life when her heart stopped. They were exemplary daughters at her side through every crisis and every recovery.

Even when facing health challenges, her later years were rich with family and joy. There was much laughter baking with all the grandkids. She enjoyed Cristofer and Rob visiting the Stampede; and young Michael teaching her dance moves in the back seat during a long journey across Canada, and later discussing politics. Audrey also enjoyed high tea with the girls: Serana and Nadia. She would celebrate her grandkids’ numerous accomplishments with anyone; and was proud of David earning his PhD. She attended book club(s) for over twenty years; played bridge with Francine three times a week; met the “Golden Girls” once a month at the Villa; had regular coffee-conversations with dear friends Jenny and Barb at NorthHill mall; and continued contact with her old friend Jackie Catto. So many others will remember her with fondness as a respectful, empathic listener.

Audrey Thorner was a social worker, an avid reader and loved travelling, skiing, golfing and playing bridge. She closely followed politics and current affairs. She believed that everyone deserved a chance and was an advocate for many. She quietly gave to several charities. Each Christmas she delivered warm boots and socks to homeless shelters, supported foster children abroad, and several initiatives through The Calgary Foundation. Audrey involved her children and grandchildren in her efforts to advocate and support others, leaving a legacy of compassion.

Nothing was more important to her than family.

Following her wishes, there will be no funeral.

Her family would like to thank everyone at The Arthur Child Cancer Center who cared for her with great skill and compassion. Additionally, her family acknowledges Audrey’s many close friendships. Special thanks to the residents and staff at The Edward who were her community during her final years.

Donations in Audrey’s name will be gratefully accepted, please donate directly to the Thorner/Johnston/DiMarzo Family Fund via Calgary Foundation's page on CanadaHelps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/144192