Audrey Ann Schimmel

She was the beloved wife of Thomas for 61 years and 360 days until his passing in 2019. She is the mother of Thomas C (Carrie), the grandmother of Rebecca and Sam, the aunt of niece Erin (John) and Christy (Mike), nephews Dan, Philip (Audrey), Rick, Eddie, and Donny (Katherine), great aunt of John, Emily, and Andrew, and Godmother to 18. She was predeceased by her sister Helen and brother Richard, and numerous inlaws, good friends, and relatives.

Audrey was a playful and prayerful woman whose energy was abundant and mirrored her generosity. She loved swimming, fishing, and laughter; and was always available for her parents, in-laws, friends, and other family when they needed help. Early in their married life, Audrey and Tom discovered a shared mission supporting the Oglala Sioux tribe in South Dakota. After retirement, she and Tom moved to North Minneapolis and worked for 10 years with children and young adults who needed help to escape the spirals of poverty and gang activity. After moving to Georgia in 2000 and joining Saint Brigid parish, Audrey began work at the reception desk and remained in that position for 25 years. In addition to being the first person that many new parishioners met, she also handled a wide variety of administrative duties, as well as serving as a Eucharistic Minister to the Infirm and a voice in the choir on Sundays and beyond. The lives she has touched in this time is remarkable. Her history of service also includes several Businesswoman of the Year awards during her 15+ years as a business owner. Schimmel’s Shoe Store was a place to buy shoes, and just as much, it was a place people visited so they could see Audrey and talk to her.

Audrey and Tom shared a love of travel, visiting all 50 states and 7 continents together. Until the very end, Audrey remained passionate about caring for God’s creation through recycling, composting, and reusing what others might discard. She was a wonderful cook and gardener, and in general a promoter of life and service in the name of Jesus Christ. The inspiration she has provided to so many lives in all of us who knew her.

The Catholic Mass of Burial will be held at Saint Brigid Catholic Church on Monday July 27th at 11AM to celebrate Audrey’s life and honor her contributions to our world.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Audrey’s name to Walking With Moms in Need - also known as the Saint Vincent de Paul crisis pregnancy fund. This ministry provides financial assistance to mothers in difficult situations.

Information and ways to donate can be found on the link below:

https://saintbrigid.org/ministries/outreach/respect-life/walking-with-moms-in-need