Obituary of Audrey Peberdy

 

 

Audrey Peberdy

 

December 28, 1030  -  May 7, 2021

 

Audrey was born in Saskatoon on Dec 28, 1930 to parents Herbert and Blanche Lamb. Mom was predeceased by her husband Keith in 2020, her sister and brother- in- law Joan and Doug Lane and cousin Shirley Ellis.

 

Mom grew up in Saskatoon, attended Buena Vista Elementary School and Nutana High School, retaining many of these friends throughout her life. Following high school, she attended secretarial school and then worked at the University of Saskatchewan.

 

In 1954, Audrey married Keith Peberdy and they moved to Chicago where Dad was attending Chicago Tech.  After graduation they moved back to Saskatoon, built their home and had three boys - Bruce, Brian and Scott. Mom assumed the full-time job of looking after our family - cooking, cleaning, sewing, tutoring, shuttling the boys and her parents, along with supporting Dad in the family construction business. She was actively involved in the Kinsmen / Kinette Organization, and at one point serving as President.  Dad and Mom were also active in the Saskatoon Construction Association.  Mom enjoyed many years in her bridge club and as a member of St Timothy’s Anglican Church.   Planning dinners, reading, and swapping recipes back and forth were favorite activities.  Mom was very creative and had a good eye for detail.  In later years it was unlikely to see her without her knitting bag in tow.

 

On a bit of a whim, in 1972 Mom decided to test out going back to work as a secretary with the Saskatoon Public School Board.   This initial part-time job lasted for several decades at Pleasant Hill School and later Lawson Heights School.  Mom loved the interaction with students and staff.  Her retirement party was a tearful event for her as she had met so many wonderful students, staff members and parents during these years– many becoming lasting friendships.

 

Waskesiu was a special place for Mom and Dad.  Mom loved to entertain at the cottage.  Mom particularly enjoyed the community activities, volunteering her time at golf tournaments, fundraisers, parades and especially Friday morning coffee parties.   As we were growing up there were many cookouts, trips to the landfill to see the bears, and hikes into Kingsmere Lake.  She called the path up to the clubhouse “Puff- Puff Hill” and donated a bench halfway up because she wanted a place where people could stop and rest. 

 

Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling.  They were fortunate to enjoy many trips as a couple, with friends, and as a family; taking us boys on many exciting adventures as we were growing up.  Half the fun of a Holiday for Mom was planning and organizing the trip.   The other half was deciding what to pack.   To say Mom loved clothes was an understatement! 

In a house full of boys and sports, Mom held her own on hikes, as goalie of a shinny game, at tennis and golf.   But mainly she kept us organized and fit for the task at hand. 

 

Mom passed away on May 7th, 2021, after several years of deteriorating health.  Losing her independence, social interactions and moving into a care home were huge losses and very hard on Mom.  It was difficult to watch her decline and to no longer be our strong Mom, so it gives us comfort to know that she is now in a better place.  No doubt Mom and Dad are out for coffee!!!

 

Audrey is survived by her sons Bruce (Linda), Brian (Barb), Scott (Mike), grandchildren, Sean (Sabrina), Mark (Meghan), Tanner (Jessie), Lisa and Brett.  Great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Karsen, Kashton, Beau, Parker, Ruby and Leo

Audrey is also survived by her sister’s children who she was very close to;  Sandra (Ron) Mieske, Bob (Mary) Lane, Sue (Gary) Murphy; Cousin Pat Lovell, as well as Keith’s siblings Lois (Herb) Gerwing, Ruth (Gerry) Cooney, and their families.

 

A private family service has taken place and a Celebration for Dad and Mom will follow at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waskesiu Foundation, Parkinson Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society in mom’s memory. Our family would like to acknowledge and thank all those that have been involved in mom’s health care. Condolences may be left for the family at Audrey’s Tribute/Obituary page at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.