Obituary of Audrey Bernice Uthe

Audrey Bernice Uthe

July 19, 1930 ~ September 19, 2022

Audrey Bernice Uthe graduated into heaven on September,19,2022 at the age of 92.She was born on the family farm in Eden, Manitoba, the youngest of 6 children of James and Clara Burton. Being brought up on the farm taught her the value of family, good work ethic, was character building and always an adventure. Audrey's siblings were Dorothy (Ken) Martin, Frank Burton, Leonard (Bernice) Burton, Robert Burton, and Irene(Lawrence) Bateman all of whom have predeceased her. I can only imagine the reunion with her family in heaven.     

 Audrey excelled in school and graduated at the age of 16. Then it was off to Normal School to become a teacher. Audrey taught in one room schools for a time and then went to Winnipeg to take a secretarial course. In August 1952, she married Albert Stevens and thus began her life as an air force wife, moving to many different locations. It was in Barrie, Ontario that she began her new role as a mother, giving birth to Wendy (1955) and Joanne (1956). Even though we moved many times, she always made sure the new places felt like home. In 1963, Albert quit the air force and they started a new adventure managing a Robinson Store first in Gilbert Plains, MB, and then in Hamiota, MB. It was in Hamiota that Audrey resumed her teaching career. She influenced many young lives with her great patience, kindness, wisdom and guidance. Her students adored her and blossomed under her tutelage.                               

In 1974, it was off to Saskatoon, SK which became her permanent home. Her marriage to Albert ended in 1977 and she face her new life courageously taking a trip to Europe with her sister-in-law, Bernice. She worked at Canada Post (1975-1989) and through a little matchmaking by Janice, met Janice's dad, Henry “Bud” Uthe. They were married in September 1978 and had a beautiful life together. Mom embraced his 3 daughters, Cathy, Nancy and Janice and their families and became mom and grandmother to  all. Sadly, Bud passed away in August 2003.                                                                                                                                                                           

Audrey loved to read, do crossword and jigsaw puzzles, attend symphonies and ballets, and tend to her plants. Her family was the most important part of her life and she always lent a helping hand and sympathetic ear to us all.

Left to carry on her legacy are Wendy (Brian) McSheffrey, Joanne (David) Laird, Cathy (Robert) Holmberg, Nancy (Morris) Nesdole, and Janice Vezina. The grandchildren are Chelsea (Jeremie) Page, Tara (Cameron) Strohschein, Jenna (Brock) Rutherford, Kate (Justin) McKay, Steven Matthews, Alex (Brandon) Ligtermoet, Conrad (Rini) Holmberg, Vanessa (James) Doole and Michael (Olga) Denroche. The great grandchildren are Ashtyn, Tenley, Emersyn, Raya, Kennedy, Chloe, Carter, Elliott,  Kaylee, Zachary, Indah, Amelia, Isla and a another little fellow on the way. Audrey was sadly predeceased by great grandson, Alexander Holmberg.

Audrey was such a blessing to all who knew her. She was an incredible mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.   She lived her life to the fullest and most importantly, she loved. All of us flourished under her tender loving care and we miss her so much. She was the best mom! 

 A private family memorial service will be held on Friday, July 14,2023 at 1:00 pm at Saint John's Columbarium. Afterwards, family and friends are invited to the home of Jenna Rutherford in Saskatoon at 2:30 pm for at time of fellowship and remembrance to honour Audrey.