Audrey Ellen Parnell (Spratt) Burden

In her 99th year, while sleeping peacefully, Audrey’s name was called and she received her angel’s wings. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Doug in 2000, Audrey is survived and ever loved by her two sons, David (Lynne) of Gold Canyon, AZ and Les (Catherine) of Calgary, AB, her two adored grandchildren Kevin (Jampa) and Lindsay (Mathieu), as well as her precious great granddaughter, Isabelle Marie. Although Audrey outlived all of her siblings, she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on both the Spratt and Burden sides of the family.

Audrey was born and grew up in Edmonton, with her parents and six siblings in a four room home with an outhouse out back. In early 1943, she fibbed about her age and joined the army to serve her country during World War II, stationed eventually in the Special Service Battalion at Currie Barracks in Calgary. She was demobbed as a corporal in 1946.

Audrey remained in Calgary, attending Henderson Business School where she met her husband to be, Doug. Married in 1949, the couple moved to Turner Valley where Doug started his career as an accountant in the oil and gas industry. Transfers and sons followed, first to Colevile, SK and then to Saskatoon, where they luxuriated in accommodation with their first indoor bathroom. Finally, they bought a “real” house of their own, with Frank and Marion Sinclair and their kids next door; a source of great stories too many to list. Good times with many friends, memorable driving holidays to Calgary and Edmonton, with the boys fighting in the back seat. Finally a transfer in 1971 brought the family to Calgary. Plenty of family gatherings ensued over the years – cards with Ruth and Jerry Brown, parties or Christmas get togethers, picnics at Bragg Creek or Happy Valley with the extended Burden family, as well as evenings with their dear friends, the Young’s, the Charteris’ and the Burton’s. All were a source of enjoyment that Audrey cherished.

Audrey worked for many years as a cashier at Allwest Supermarket, before she and Doug ultimately retired comfortably. It seems that the retirement years were Audrey’s busiest; Hawaii, Arizona, California, Scotland and Maritimes vacations, an Alaskan cruise with Violet, her sister; whatever or whenever, Audrey was up for any adventure. Audrey volunteered in the Grade One classroom at St. William’s School for 13 years, helping little ones learn to read. More recently, at the retirement residence when she was in her 90’s, Audrey volunteered with Brown Bagging For Calgary’s Kids (her only complaint was the other volunteers that didn’t “butter to the edge!”)

Audrey attended all of her grandchildren’s minor soccer games (some practices too) and all the hockey games, and all the gymnastic shows. She never missed a First Communion or Confirmation, and attended all the honour roll celebrations, and the high school and university graduations, Her grandchildren were the core of her retirement years. Her life revolved around them and whatever they were doing. She was fiercely proud of them, and never missed an opportunity to talk about them. Best Mum to her boys and daughters-in-law, best Nana and babysitter to her grandchildren, best Grandma B to hundreds of kids at St William’s, best Nana B to the soccer and hockey teams, and best friend to a great many people. No dog’s diet was safe around Nana, the treats came fast and furious. As a mother and grandmother, no favour was too much to ask.

She was passionate about family, friends, life, and life’s experiences. She met her challenges with fierce resolve. It was a life well lived with many laughs, many great and warm moments, much contentment, lots of love and affection, and plenty of excitement and adventure. Anyone who knew her, knew that her laughter and her smile could light up a room. Right to the end, she was not leaving her room without a “smart clothing choice” with matching earrings and necklace, and a quick look in the mirror to ensure her hair was just right. What a life! In Audrey’s own words, “It has been a good show.”

Finally, a sincere thank you to the staff at McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence where Audrey spent 6 happy years, including the difficult Covid years. The staff managed the facility with great care and attention during those trying times. And lastly, a very special thank you to the living angels, there is no other word that suits, that cared for Audrey with great compassion, humour, patience, affection and gentleness for her last 8 months on the McKenzie East unit at AgeCare Seton. There are not sufficient words to express our gratitude for that level of care. They are truly wonderful people.

A celebration of Audrey’s long and happy life will be held on Wednesday, March 20th at 2pm at the Royal Canadian Legion No. 285, 9202 Horton Road SW, Calgary, AB. The Canadian Armed Forces were very near and dear to Audrey’s heart. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, please consider making a donation directly to The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary in Audrey’s memory.