Obituary of Audrey Hemmons

Audrey Hemmons Audrey was born April 9, 1913 in Beulah MB to Herbert and Elizabeth Hemmons. She lived her early years in Alberta until her father died. Audrey and her mother moved back to Manitoba and ultimately to Winnipeg. Elizabeth died when Audrey was still a young girl but a kind couple, Kurt and Lil Bielschowsky took Audrey in and raised her. With the loving care of the Bielschowskys and the lifelong friendships Audrey made as a student at St. Mary's Academy, she flourished. Audrey's years as an Academy student were an important part of her life and she spoke fondly of her time there. While a student, she contracted polio and had to abandon her plans to become a nurse but went on to complete the Commercial course at St. Mary's Academy and took a job at Hudson Bay House where she spent her entire working career. Like so many of her friends, Audrey loved to travel. Her many trips were documented through that old time tradition of sending postcards to friends. Another favorite past time was going for drives with her friends - a time for uninterrupted visits, a chance to see the sites of Manitoba and perhaps enjoy an ice cream along the way. Audrey also loved to play Bridge and enjoyed hosting friends at her apartment. After many years at her Smith Street address, she decided it was time to move to 64 Nassau N where some of her old friends had moved. It afforded the opportunity for outings with friends and group activities in the building's Common Room. When the time came that Audrey needed more care, she moved down the street to the Thorvaldson Care Centre, then to the Misericordia and finally Meadowood Manor. Audrey received wonderful care at each of these facilities and her family and friends are grateful. Audrey had no siblings and cherished her cousins, in particular, Doris (Dode) McKechnie of Victoria who survives her. Audrey was blessed with friends like Norma, Patsy and Jodi who kept her mailbox filled with greetings and by Sr. Susan Wikeem snjm and the caring students of St. Mary's Academy who brightened her days with their visits. Although Audrey had hoped to reach her 100th birthday, she died April 2, 2011 at the age of 97 years, 358 days - a long life, well-lived. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 6 at 2pm at St. Mary's Cemetery, 520 Osborne Street, Winnipeg. Rev. Mr. Vincent Catalano, Deacon of Holy Rosary Parish officiating.