Audrey Anne Olschefski

Audrey Anne Olschefski, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, peacefully passed away on April 29th after a long and meaningful life. She will be greatly missed and dearly remembered by family, friends and all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Charles (Chuck) Olschefski, two children, Jennifer Pratt (Jeff) and Alison Harrison (Lance), and four grandchildren, Lauren and Keira Pratt, and Sarah and Joshua Harrison. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Marguerite (Strick) and Edwin Mau, and her brother, Robert (Bob) Mau.

Audrey was born on January 20, 1935 in Detroit to the late Marguerite and Edwin Mau, and was the youngest of two siblings. She was the valedictorian at Mackenzie High School and completed her collegiate education at Wayne State University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also received the Howard A. Donnelly Award for service and scholarship at Wayne State University. After graduation, Audrey pursued a career in teaching. She met her husband, Charles (Chuck) Olschefski in 1964 and they married in 1965 at St. James Lutheran Church in Detroit. After taking a break from teaching to raise her two daughters, she returned to public education as a substitute teacher supporting various schools in Livonia for another 10 years. Audrey was always focused on helping and supporting others.

Audrey enjoyed traveling in her early years visiting various countries in Europe and South America. She was an avid reader. Her favorite book was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. She also loved a good mystery, immersing herself in novels such as Sue Grafton’s “Alphabet Series.” Audrey shared her love of music with her family, playing the piano throughout most of her lifetime. Her daughters fondly remember her playing classical pieces such as Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven and Waltz of the Flowers by Tchaikovsky. She inspired her daughters and grandchildren to appreciate the arts including music, dance, painting and poetry. Audrey enjoyed supporting her children and grandchildren by attending their music and dance performances as well as their sporting events with her husband, Chuck.

Above all, Audrey will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, especially the special bond she shared with her grandchildren. Audrey’s home was the center for close family holiday celebrations, especially Christmas cookie decorating! A Sunday School teacher at St. James Lutheran Church for many years, she also was an example of a faithful servant to God for her children and grandchildren.

Audrey’s love of God and family, kindness, support, sacrifice, quiet strength and resilience will be cherished and carried forward by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in our hearts.

Visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152 – visitation from 10am – 11am and funeral service at 11am. The funeral service will be followed by a dedication at approximately 12:15pm at the Glen Eden Memorial West Chapel, 35667 W. Eight Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. Lunch will follow at Cedarbrook Senior Living, 15700 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, MI 48170.

Donations in lieu of flowers in remembrance of Audrey can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/give.html