Audrey Ann Matusiak

Audrey was born on December 31, 1954 in Riverside, NJ to Charles and Blanche Fuhrer. She grew up in Beverly, NJ and moved to Salem, CT in 1991 where she raised her two children.

Her battle with breast cancer had begun early in the year 2014.

Her courageous spirit and her undying strength to stay with us had been proven every single day. Although this terrible disease took such a toll on her physical form, her spirits were always so high and uplifting to everyone in the room. And as the cancer spread, she took every opportunity to laugh, smile and joke about all the little things in life. She was always such a rebel and child at heart, always cracking jokes and playing games. We learned from her to never take anything in life for granted. Every day is a blessing.

Audrey was a wonderful mother, so loving, so kind and influential, while sharing strength and wisdom to her children. Her children adore the childhood memories of mom always being encouraging and making the most of every accomplishment and milestone they had reached.

Every day, Audrey continued to look at the bright side of life, always reminding us to never take anything for granted.

Audrey’s passion and talent for cooking inspired her fulfilling career at Mohegan Sun for over 10 years. She was always a hard dedicated worker, since she was 15 years, and at times, holding multiple jobs at once. But “work” was never work for her. She never went to work because she felt like she “had to.” She genuinely wanted to work and she always enjoyed what she did. She loved supporting her family and even after a long day on her feet cooking on the job, she would make amazing meals for them.

Audrey was the definition of selflessness, as she was always putting others before herself and gave in every way she could. Family and food were always her favorite topics of discussion. She never forgot to remind everyone of how proud she was of her children for who they have become. Her family and friends hold dear all the skills, memories and recipes she has taught them cooking and are so fortunate to have spent time in the kitchen with such an amazing chef. We also enjoy all of her advise on gardening as she knew everything about every plant imaginable.

Audrey’s courage, strength and love touched all who surrounded her. Her family and friends will always remember her as one of the toughest, most courageous women they have ever had in their lives. And throughout her toughest times, Audrey was always reminded of the constant support and love from all her friends and family.

Audrey loved decorating for all the Holidays, cooking until the late hours, making amazing dishes filling the house with the most amazing aromas and her loving personality that kept her front door always wide open. Her favorite holiday was Halloween, always dressing up for the neighborhood kids to come see her amazing assortment of decorations, of which she often happily kept up all year round.

Audrey embraced her love for animals and some of her fondest childhood memories were those of playing with all of her pets including her pet monkey, Peanut.

Audrey is survived by her companion of 23 years, Anthony J. Sikorski of Salem; daughter, Ashley Benson and husband Paul of Groton; son, John Matusiak of Salem who dedicated himself during her homecare; sisters, Marion Brick of Salem and Diana Phelan of Norwich. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Southeastern CT, the doctors and nursing staff of the 6th floor at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and Beechwood Post Acute & Transitional Care for being the warriors that provided comfort and support during her couragous battle with cancer. And we are so thankful to all the caring loved ones, family and friends who were by her side supporting and encouraging her strength through her journey in her life day after day.

We will never forget the last visit at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. She shared peppers with the nursing staff from her garden along with cooking advice, and spread her talent with all the people surrounding her, enjoying every minute of it.

The family asks that in a lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Center of Hospice Care of South Eastern CT.

Our hearts are broken but filled with love for Audrey, as she will continue to be with us everywhere we go in our journey of life.