Audrey Thiel Beauvais

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Gerald Beauvais; her son, James Beauvais; daughter-in-law, Kathe Beauvais; and brother, Ronald Thiel.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: John (the late Kathe), Elizabeth Beauvais Walberg, David (Cheryl), and Lisa Coleman (Tony); her grandchildren: John Beauvais, Jr. (Emily), Joey Beauvais (Cara), Melanie Beauvais, Jaci Prinz (Adam), Matthew Beauvais (Leeza), Jaimee Beauvais, Charles Walberg, and William Walberg; and her great-grandchildren: Boe Beauvais, Joslyn Beauvais, and Jacqueline Beauvais.

Audrey was born in Hammond, Indiana and grew up in Dyer, Indiana, and graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a degree in Home Economics, a discipline she lovingly and skillfully applied while raising her five children. A devout Catholic, she and her husband Jerry were deeply involved in their local parish, Our Lady of the Wayside, where she was a leading voice in the contemporary choir. Audrey and Jerry also lived their faith through active participation in PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) and CFM (Christian Family Movement).

An accomplished cook and resourceful homemaker, Audrey took pride in preparing nutritious, from-scratch meals, while also enjoying the adventure of experimenting in the kitchen—much to the delight of her family and friends. Shortly after college, Audrey was a civilian employee of the U.S. Army Quartermaster Food and Container Institute, involved in various aspects of food preparation and preservation for the armed services. As her children grew, she continued to extend her culinary talents beyond the home, teaching cooking classes in a variety of settings such as demonstrating cooking techniques for the Weber Kettle Company. For many years she was a trusted voice on the Butterball Turkey Talk Line, cheerfully helping families navigate holiday meals and sharing humorous tales of kitchen mishaps. Audrey also managed a local store, The Home Economist, catering to the needs of like-minded Culinarians. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create a gift basket company, Apple-A-Day Baskets, featuring delicious and healthful food items, and The Discerning Cook, a nutrition communications company.

Audrey was a lifelong learner, curious and engaged with the world around her. She shared her wisdom by counseling students at Harper Junior College. In her seventies, she could often be found at Roosevelt University’s Lifelong Learning Center, where she eagerly pursued new subjects. She was passionate about writing as well, leaving her family with cherished memoirs, autobiographical stories, and children’s stories. Her family also fondly recalls her love of music and proficiency at the piano.

Audrey will be remembered for her faith, her generosity, her zest for learning, and above all, her devotion to her family.

Visitation will be held at 9 am, Saturday October 11, 2025 at St. Edna’s Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL. 60004, immediately followed by funeral mass at 10 am.

For those unable to travel, a live stream of the funeral mass will be available. Please search “St. Edna’s Parish Arlington Heights IL” on YouTube at the appointed time to view the service in progress.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Greater Chicago Food Depository (www.chicagosfoodbank.org).

Online:

Visit their website at www.chicagosfoodbank.org to donate online. Donors can send an e-card or a tribute letter to inform the family of their generous gift in Audrey Beauvais' memory.

By Mail:

Please mail contributions to:

Greater Chicago Food Depository

4100 W Ann Lurie Place

Chicago, IL 60632

Attention: Greater Chicago Food Depository

(Please include "In Memory of Audrey Beauvais" in the memo line)