Audrey Marie Gross, 86, passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on Friday, January 17, 2020. She had recently been diagnosed with metastatic cancer of an unknown origin. Audrey is survived by her two daughters, Dr. Linda Gross of Lansing and Diane Gross of Garden City and numerous loving cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Walter Seymour Gross; sons James William Gross and Ronald Jeffrey Gross.
Audrey was born to Lilly Marie Haske and Edward Frank Erke on January 13, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up she spent lots of time with her aunts, uncles and cousins at the family cottages in Estral Beach on Lake Erie. She also loved visiting the Erke farm and her relatives there. Audrey graduated from Detroit Cooley High School and went to work for the Chrysler Corporation both in Detroit and Indianapolis. She later went on to work at her husband’s chiropractic practice, and later, AMS, Inc. as an office manager.
She was an active member of the Lutheran Church Walther League where she met her husband, Dr. Walter S. Gross. They were married in Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church in August 1955. She and Walt were founding members of Faith Lutheran Church in Livonia.
A woman of uncommon strength, Audrey persevered through life’s challenges with faith, grace, and an abundance of love. Widowed at 50, she devoted her life to her four children. She saw Linda graduate with a BA, MA and Ph.D. from Michigan State University; James graduate from Ferris State University; and, Diane graduate from Eastern Michigan University. Her youngest, Ronald, attended DeVry University but passed away before graduation. Audrey enjoyed travelling with her children throughout her life. All her children’s friends considered her “Mom” or “Mumsy,” a favorite nickname given to her by the Kennedy family.
After Audrey retired, she was a volunteer at the Plymouth Historical Museum and regularly took water walking classes at Schoolcraft College. She had a passion for perfect Manhattans, prime rib, and good dark chocolate.
Audrey touched the lives of so many people who recall her warm smile, infinite kindness, and sense of humor. She inspired many “Audrey stories” which have become beloved lore among her family and friends. The family invites you to share yours to celebrate her life.
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