Obituary of Arlene Grace Audas

Sadly, we say good-bye to Arlene who passed away on May 30, 2022 at York Care Centre, Fredericton, NB. She is predeceased by her father, Malcolm G. Lavers and mother, Margaret (Peg) Laura (Yuill) Lavers. Arlene is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard (Dick) Audas, Fredericton NB; son, Dr. Richard (Rick) Audas (Moira Finn), Dunedin, New Zealand and daughter, Michelle Audas (Michael Baldwin), Fredericton; sister Sharon Boyce, (Garry) Cole Harbour, NS; and brother Peter Lavers, (Susan) Truro, NS; sister-in-law, E. Anne Mitchell, Truro, NS and brother-in-law Charles A. (Bud) Audas, Hammond’s Plains, NS; grandchildren, Sam Audas, Elizabeth Audas and Ian Audas, Dunedin, New Zealand, Lauren Audas, Ottawa, Isaiah Baldwin, Fredericton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Arlene was an intelligent and incredibly capable person. She was a knitter, seamstress, accomplished quilter, keen baker and an avid gardener. Arlene enjoyed traveling and being outdoors camping, swimming and cross-country skiing. She especially loved to dance to good old sixties rock n’ roll. Most of all Arlene loved get-togethers with family and friends. Christmas celebrations were a particular joy and Arlene was always thoughtful and generous to all. Arlene loved to work with her hands. They were never still. We’ve come to realize that "I love you" can be expressed in many ways: a warm loaf of bread, fresh muffins, a quilt, a craft for the Christmas tree; these were the ways she let us know how much we were loved. Her unconditional love for her grandchildren brought out the best in her and allowed us to see much more deeply how she chose to love us. Quiet and reserved by nature, Arlene shared her love through silent acts of kindness we’ve come to learn spoke so much louder than any words could. After graduating from Truro Senior High School, Arlene started her working career with Bank of Nova Scotia in Truro. She made many friends at the bank. Later, Arlene and Dick opened a Leisure World Hobby and Craft Store in Truro, which she successfully operated for several years. In 1981, Arlene and family moved to Fredericton. While she missed her extended family and friends in Truro, Fredericton offered new opportunities and many new friends were made. It was a move that she and Dick never regretted. Arlene was Presbyterian by faith and outlook. She was a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi and made lasting friendships within her sorority. She also regularly attended the Presbyterian Tuesday Morning Ladies Group at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. She and Dick made dear and long-lasting friends when they joined The New Comers Club on their arrival in Fredericton. In retirement, Arlene and Dick made regular winter trips to Madeira Beach, Florida with their life-long friends Linda and Al MacNutt. Arlene’s family would like to thank all the friends and neighbours who were so kind during her time at home struggling with Alzheimer’s. Typical of her approach to life, when she was diagnosed with the sickness about seven years ago, she would often say; "I have it, nothing I can do about it…I don’t want to dwell on it." That is the way she accepted it. Arlene’s family would also like to give special thanks to the administration, medical and support angels at York Care Center. Although her time at York Care was difficult for Arlene and her family, the professionalism, compassion and care she received was first class. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all the staff at Birch Grove and Tower 2 where she spent her final few months. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 2 pm. An interment will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/754701285 In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial donation please consider York Care Foundation (https://yorkcarecentre.ca/york-care-foundation/) or NB Alzheimer Society (https://alzheimer.ca/nb/en) or just perform a deed of kindness in your own quiet memory of Arlene.