Audrey Ann Rec

Audrey was born on Jan. 22, 1935, a daughter of the late Joseph and Florence (Massey) Davignon and spent most of her life in Franklin and Norwich.

She also cherished many wonderful years seasonally residing in Florida and traveling, especially going on cruises. At the age of sixteen, Audrey left Norwich Free Academy to work at the textile mill in Baltic to help her family. After much work while raising her family, Audrey later realized her dream of becoming a nurse by getting her GED and then becoming an LPN through the program at Norwich Technical High School. She worked for over twenty years at Backus Hospital in Norwich caring for patients. Audrey will be remembered for her deep devotion to her family, which was always the center of her life.

She took great pride in her home and in the life she built alongside her husband, Tom, whom she married at St. Patrick Cathedral in 1956. Together, they shared 61 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2017. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially time spent with her family. Audrey also loved bird watching, creating intricate needlepoints, puzzles, BINGO, board games and card games (especially pitch). She enjoyed following her beloved Connecticut Sun and UCONN women basketball teams.

Audrey is survived by her loving children: Thomas E. Rec of Baltic; Sherri Rec of Franklin; and Kathy Gustavsen (James) of Colchester. She leaves behind her three adored granddaughters, Stephanie Grisevich (Ryan) of South Windsor, Sandra Brown of Garner, NC, and Abby Gustavsen of East Providence, RI; as well as her two cherished great-grandsons, Thomas Brown and Maverick Grisevich and great-granddaughter Aubree Smith. She is also survived by her sister Janice Davies and her nephews Thomas LaRose, David Rec, Michael Rec, and Gregory Rec. She was predeceased by her nephew, Ronald Rec.

Audrey’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and medical staff at Apple Rehab in Colchester, especially Dawn and Kate, who provided her with compassion and support.

Visiting hour will be held at Labenski Funeral Home in Norwich on Friday, March 20 at 10:00 with funeral service at 11:00 followed by a burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making online gifts in memory of Audrey Rec to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.