Audrey M. Pisani

on April 11, 2020, at the age of 94.

She was the beloved wife of the late Carmelo Pisani. Loving mother of Carmela (Stan) Surowiec, the late Joseph Pisani, Mary (the late Len) Schoenborn, Paul (Barbara) Pisani, Ray (Claudia) Pisani, and Cheri (Paul) Warner. Mother-in-law of Cathie Pisani.

Dear “Nanna” of Andrew (Maria) Surowiec, Matthew (Stephanie) Surowiec, Krista (Monty) Shambleau, Becca Tibus, Joseph Pisani, Daniel (Jillian) Schoenborn, Gary (Rachelle) Schoenborn,

Alicia Pisani, Andreana (Eric) Brownlee, Michael Pisani, Justin Pisani,

Alexander Warner, Thomas Warner, and James Warner.

Great-Nanna of Caroline, Andrew, Stanley, Madeleine, and Michelle Surowiec,

Brandon, Benjamin, and Becket Shambleau, Bela and Carmelo Tibus,

Jackson, Hadley, Nola Belle, Tayah, Holden, Marlow, and Sullivan Schoenborn.

Survived by her two brothers: Charles (Mary) Debono and Manuel (the late Flora) Debono.

Predeceased by her parents, her son, and her siblings; Anthony (the late Florence) Debono, Marianna (the late Paul) Gauci, Rita (the late Joe) Borg, Joseph (the late Mary) Debono, and Fred (the late Lela) Debono.

In 1950, Audrey immigrated to the United States from the island of Malta with her husband, Carmelo, three children, and another on the way; and they established themselves in Detroit, Michigan. Becoming a U.S. citizen in 1955, she legally changed her name from Andreanna to Audrey because of her desire to “Americanize” herself. The Pisani Family moved to Redford Township in 1972 where she resided until 2011. Audrey was a devoted wife and mother, caring for her six children and home. She also was a gifted seamstress. She made beautiful dresses for family and friends for their communions, proms, and weddings, often creating the designs herself. With lace, sequins, and love, the detail achieved was stunning. Audrey’s sewing repertoire was vast: gowns, costumes, and alterations; curtains, tablecloths, and sandals! It is no surprise she was highly skilled at knitting and embroidery too! Audrey was also known for her amazing Maltese cuisine and baked goods. The family home was dubbed the “Pisani Station,” where relatives and friends from all over the world would spend many a night and enjoy memorable meals. She was proud to use her home as a conduit for Maltese immigrants coming to America and helping them to become established--and there always seemed to be room for more. If eight people were expected for dinner and twelve showed up, Audrey would flash that sweet smile and simply say, “We’ll manage,” then she would whip up something magical. She had the ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Knowing that Audrey was a sensible and trustworthy person, people would seek her advice and comfort. Many of her nieces and nephews, along with her children’s friends, regarded her as a “second mom.” Audrey, who was respected as a quiet leader among her peers, had been elected President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Knights of Malta and President of the St. John Bosco Altar Society for many years each. Audrey was a devout Catholic. She sewed the altar cloths as well as the stoles worn by the priests for mass.

She prayed the Rosary with passion and devotion—in Maltese, English, or Latin. However, Audrey’s greatest passion was her family. She simply loved being a wife, mother, sister, Nanna, and friend to all.

She will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered by her tag line:

“Well, what can I say...? Thank God for the family!”

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there will not be a public funeral at this time. Audrey will be laid to rest with her husband privately in St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery, Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Audrey's family would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and leave a message of condolence or share a treasured memory in the guestbook located on this page. All messages will be printed in a keepsake book for the family to cherish over the years.

Memorial donations may be made in Audrey's name to

The Alzheimer's Association - Greater Michigan Chapter

25200 Telegraph Rd #100, Southfield, MI 48033 (800) 272-3900

https://alz.org/gmc