Death
Funeral
Lavell, Audrey Mary. After a long and very full life, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2020 at Shalom Village in Hamilton, at the age of 91.Predeceased by her daughter Barbara (Ted), son Paul and husband of over sixty-five years, Peter. She leaves behind, her children Ron (Nora), Michael (Karen), Cathy (Bill), Donna and Bernie (Carol), 16 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren and her sister Viola Kyle. Audrey was born and raised in the small village of Portage Du Fort, Quebec at the start of the Great Depression. She was the eldest of three daughters to Cecilia and William Burns. Audrey began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Quebec. She also taught kindergarten and varying elementary grades and was a supply teacher. She met her handsome husband, Peter, in Buckingham, Quebec. They married and raised their seven children there until a job change for Peter required a move to Dunnville, Ontario. Audrey and Peter had a love for travelling which they instilled in their children. Each summer was an adventure, an experience, a quest to visit a new province, state, city, or town. Each journey was a chance to renew old friendships or make new acquaintances. They were an opportunity to obtain a beginners understanding of the vastness and diversity in the world. An opportunity to gain an introduction into culture and history. Good friends and lasting friendships were a constant in Audrey and Peter’s lives. They were fortunate to have lifelong friends in each town or city in which they lived. Travelling with friends allowed their friendships to grow and enrich through the experience of exploring new countries, food, wine, history and of course a little shopping. The legendary house parties organized by Audrey, Peter and their friends for special occasions remain in all our memories. The parties were creative, unique and full of fun. In retirement, Audrey’s favourite, and cherished place to escape from the harsh Canadian winters was their home in Florida. It was extra special as she was able to spend several months every year, with her sister Viola and her husband Doug. There was always an open invitation for friends and family from up north to join them in their winter retreat. Audrey’s interests included the Theatre – Big city or small town- making pottery, cooking, card games, and travelling. She remained a devout Catholic and relied heavily on her faith throughout her life. She tried some new things with less success including sewing, swimming, bicycling, and hair cutting (never to be discussed again). She took great pride in raising her children and was proud of each of their accomplishments, big or small. She enjoyed seeing and being part of her grandchildren’s lives and seeing them grow with families of their own. She gave all her family love, encouragement, and independence. Most importantly, her children were allowed to succeed by making choices that sometimes failed but those experiences taught them that missteps were an opportunity to learn and to grow. She was born at the start of the Great Depression and died during the current Covid Pandemic. She knew suffering, loneliness, and endurance. These trials made her a strong, loving, accepting, resourceful person that we admired. We will miss her warm smile, contagious laughter, and steely eyed glare.Thanks to all the staff at Shalom Village for the care provided to our mother. Thanks to the staff at St. Joe’s Health care for stepping in and helping the residents through this traumatic time. Your willingness to go above and beyond for Audrey will always be respected and remembered especially RN Amanda. Love the Lavell family.
Private burial and service will be held Monday December 28, 2020 in keeping with Covid-19 Protocols. Online condolences jwhartfuneralhome.com
(Zoom Link https://zoom.us/j/98890499165?pwd=WGhrUzBOcDdSUjVIS1ZEaFFybWQwZz09 Passcode: 892078 December 28/20 11:00am ) .
To the Lavell family , my sincere condolences.
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family Bernie. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Bill and I send our deepest sympathy. I was blessed to spend two years with Barb throughout our college years. She was such a good friend and we had so much fun together. I was sorry to hear she had passed. This was a beautiful tribute to your mom.
Brenda Dale Swayze
My condolences to the Lavell family.
The Lavell Family—We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We enjoyed a wonderful cruise to Europe with them a few years ago. Your Mom was a member of our Catholic Women’s League for 68 years.
Tom and Mona Inglis
My deepest sympathy to the Lavell family. I have fond memories of Mrs. Lavell as my kindergarten teacher and I enjoyed getting to know her differently through parish activities. I will remember her warm smile and hearty laugh.
My sincerest sympathies to all members of the Lavell family. Thinking about you in your loss.
Condolences Kathy and family.
My sincere condolences to the Lavell family ❤️
Mike and Karen, we are very sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely wishing Mike, Karen, their kids and all the families my very best during this time of loss. My prayers are with you all and Audrey. I always took a moment to say hi to her whenever we were together and she always really appreciated it and let me know it. I treasure those memories. Take care.
Rob
We wish to express our deepest condolences to the entire family. Aunt Audrey and Uncle Peter enjoyed seeing their much loved family thrive and multiply. This was a beautifully written obituary. It was wonderful to read this and realize that all their hard work payed off in a long life that was much enjoyed. Donna, you did an exemplary job of taking care of both your parents over the past number of years and it was obvious that they both appreciated it greatly. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Love Colleen and Paul
Bernie and family,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort during this most difficult time.
Aunt Audrey, so loving and so loved by all. Our sincere condolences to the Lavell family. Carl and Lynn Dervin
Sending our sincerest condolences to Audrey’s family and friends.❤️
Thinking of you Cathy and Bill and the rest of the family, so sorry for your loss
My heartfelt condolences to the Lavell family. Great memories!
So sorry to hear about Audrey’s passing – we have so many wonderful memories of our time in Florida with both Audrey and Peter – please accept our sincere condolences.
My sincere condolences to the Lavell family. Your mother was a lovely and kind woman.
Dear Ron and Nora.
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ron’s Mom..may she rest in Peace.
Terri & Terry Williamson
To Ron, Nora, Bianca, Mark, and John, our deepest condolences to you and the entire Lavell family. We have fond memories of times spent with your mother and your family. She was a very special woman and will be missed by many. We are holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
To the Lavell family…our deepest sympathy to your entire family in loosing a remarkable and unique lady…your mom. My parents ( Nick and Mary Rykhoff) spent many years together especially during their involvement with St Michaels.
We hope the wonderful memories you have shared over the years will bring you comfort.
Our sincerest condolences to the Lavell family. I have a lot of memories of the family in particular with Paul growing up together at St. Michael’s school & high school and then also playing field lacrosse with Bernie in high school. I’ll always remember Mrs Lavell from my days as a kid chumming around with Paul & other neighbourhood kids when we were younger (I remember being over there at times during the 72 Canada Russia series) and having Mrs Lavell as a teacher at St. Mike’s.
May she rest in God’s peace.