Audrey Jean Witham, age 96, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 25, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Robert Witham (2010); parents, Leo & Mary Adeline O’Brien; and her six siblings. Audrey is survived by her children, Robert (Annette) Witham, Richard (Kara) Witham, Rebecca (Bill) Spence, Barbara (Joseph) McCargar, Julie (Brad) Boyle, Mary (Michael) Balke, and Wendi (Gerald) Moore III; grandchildren, Thomas (Karen) Witham, Daniel (Lori) Witham, Lauren (Matthew) Milanowski, Paul (Alannah) Witham, Jesse, Solana, and Micah Witham, Kelley (Ryan Tracy) Spence, Blair Spence, Mitch (Kristen) Spence, Rose McCargar, Nick (Megan) Boyle, John (Emily) Boyle, Kathleen Boyle, Brian (Sara) Balke, Benjamin (Rachel) Balke, Ann Balke, Matthew, Emily, and Sam Moore; and 20 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Audrey lived her whole life in Grand Rapids, except for a few childhood years in Kalamazoo. She belonged to St. Stephens Parish all those years. Some treasured memories came from her days at Marywood Academy. From there, Audrey went on to Aquinas College, where she majored in English and earned a Bachelor of Arts, in 1948. It was there she met her future husband Robert and married in 1949. Audrey taught in two elementary schools, prior to children. She later worked for Fideler Publishing as a copy editor and sales representative, making many lifelong friends. Throughout Audrey’s life, her faith was at the heart of who she was. This was evident in her singing, cantoring, and unwavering love given to her family and friends. Audrey’s warmth, generous spirit, and quick sense of humor helped her create community at any opportunity. She will be forever missed by all who knew her, especially her devoted family. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the kind and loving care she received from the staff at Beacon Hill and Faith Hospice. Visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with a Rosary service at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00am at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 750 Gladstone Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Rev. Scott Nolan, presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to O’Brien-Witham Music Scholarship Fund at Aquinas College, 1700 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506 or https://www.aquinas.edu/give.
5 Responses
I will missed her dearly, I love her so much. I knew her for very long, long time . I am very sad and going through tuff time loosing special love one. She will be missed by many peoples that knew her. She hold special place in my heart. May her soul rest in peace.
Audrey was a lovely sister-in-law. She had a great sense of humor and a good attitude about life. I loved her “Irishness” and hearing her sing with her daughters at her 90th birthday. I will treasure a memory Dick and I enjoyed with her at Pietro’s, where we participated in a murder mystery dinner. She was always up for fun!
I did not learn of Audrey’s death until
After the funeral, or I would have been there.
I adored Audrey???? She was such a wonderful
Person… When she went to rehab I tried to send her cards often, but around Christmas
Lots of things happened in my family I did
not keep up…I am sorry to say. I will never forget her and the wonderful person she was.
Audrey introduced me to the Saints Alive group. We were part of the Aquinas College outreach. We sang at retirement communities all around Western Michigan. Our subject: How much fun it is to grow older. Audrey was a dear friend and neighbor and I treasure the memories we shared. I regret I was away when she met our Lord.
My Aunt Audrey and My Mom were Best Friends.I remember her always coming over to visit.She was always so warm and kind.I Loved going over to her House during the Holidays and seeing all my Cousins.My Aunt Audrey and Uncle Bob even hosted my Graduation Party from Their Beautiful House.I regret not being able to make it the visitation or funeral having found out the night before.I wish we would of Stayed in Touch after My Mom passed away in 1999.Well my Mom had to wait almost 24 years for you to join her Aunt Audrey.I will never forget your Beautiful Voice and you and my Mom singing Sweet Adeline together to Your Mom,my Grandma on her last days.Heaven has gained another Angel.I love and Miss you Aunt Audrey.