Audrey C. Drews

Audrey Catherine Drews went to the loving arms of her Savior on Monday, December 14, 2020; just 10 days before her 95th birthday. She was born on December 24, 1925 in Rockford, IL to Otto and Carrie (Sorenson) Drews. Audrey spent some of her early childhood at the Rockford Children’s home, State Public School in Sparta, WI, and several foster homes in Wisconsin. Audrey had fond memories of her and her sister being taken in by a loving foster family in Racine, WI and singing at the Rescue Mission on Saturday nights. Unfortunately, other foster homes were very different. In spite of this childhood adversity, Audrey always maintained a positive and upbeat attitude. She never forgot the kindness shown to her by a “kind neighbor” in Geneva, WI who rescued her from her last foster home by taking her in as a paid mother’s helper. She was then able to attend Elkhorn High School for two years.

At the age of 18, Audrey moved to Milwaukee, WI. She was trained in accounting and worked for Gimbels Department store in their accounting department for many years. Upon her retirement from Gimbels, Audrey worked in accounting for apartment complexes in Milwaukee. Years after her retirement, Audrey moved to Port Richey, Florida with her dear friends Rob and Mary Edl.

In addition to her accounting work, Audrey was an aquatic instructor for the YMCA, where she also served as a lifeguard. She taught swimming classes, water ballet, and lifeguarding. She was a competitive swimmer and also participated in water ballet performances, as well as water shows on the 4th of July in three Milwaukee parks. Audrey was a dedicated scrapbooker and loved receiving photos and news clippings about family members.

Audrey was a life-long Republican who proudly served on many presidential campaigns. She was especially proud of having been part of President Donald Trump’s campaign. She referred to him as “My Donald”. She was brought to tears when she received the “2020 Life Member Order of Merit” from President Trump on 01/20/2020.

Audrey is survived by a sister, Margaret (Drews) Anderson Piasecki; daughter Mary (John) Smithyman; son Leslie Gerald Drews; granddaughters Gina & Stacy Smithyman; nephews Larry (Anna) Anderson & David (Kathy) Anderson; great-nephews Geoff (Kelly) Anderson, Scott (Tina) Anderson, Craig (Anna) Anderson, and Kent (Natalie) Anderson; great-nieces Gina Anderson & Sarah Anderson; two great-great-nephews, three great-great nieces, and two soon-to-be great-great nieces. Audrey is also survived by her dear friends, Rob and Mary Edl.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Edgar, Arthur, & Leonard Drews, and half-sister Joan (Anthony) Lundy. Audrey also had a number of other half-sisters and brothers, some of whom preceded her in death and others who survive her.

Audrey was a very kind, loving, intelligent, and vivacious woman who lit up the room with her smile and her laugh. She strove for excellence in everything she did. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.