[ back ]
Osborne, Audrey Schoenewe
AUDREY SCHOENEWE OSBORNE
Audrey Schoenewe Osborne, 78, of Chardon, passed away peacefully June 29, 2008, at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland.
The daughter of Florence (nee Schoelerman) and Henry Schoenewe, Audrey was born June 27, 1930, in Everly, Iowa. Her mother died from childbirth complications and she was raised by her grandmother, Kate Schoelerman for five years before Henry married Hilda Norby in 1935.
A 1948 graduate of Everly High School, Audrey excelled in music, was named Homecoming Queen, and was honored as Salutatorian of her graduating class. She received a music scholarship to attend Drake University and graduated from Drake in 1952, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While at Drake University, she was a member of the Drake-Des Moines Symphony, Drake University Chorus, and served as President of Delta Gamma sorority.
Audrey met her husband, David A. Osborne II, of Chardon, at Drake University. They married in 1953, and moved to Columbia Station, where David's employment at Youghiogheny & Ohio Coal Company, based in Cleveland, continued for 31 years.
Audrey and David's children, David Jr., Richard, James, and Ann were born in Columbia Station. Both parents were loyal supporters of the Columbia Station school system and their children's numerous athletic events.
After moving to Gray Horse Farm in Chardon in 1968, Audrey returned to familiar surroundings having been raised on a farm as a child. In addition to supporting daily farming activities at Gray Horse, Audrey served as Vocal Music Teacher at Chardon Middle School, volunteered for other music programs in Chardon and Munson Elementary, and canvassed the local community in her steadfast support of the Chardon School System.
Audrey and David relocated to St. Clairsville in 1978, where her role as devoted wife inspired her husband's 21 years of community service to the Ohio Valley. Although David was well known for his involvement and achievements in the St. Clairsville Rotary, (Past President of St. Clairsville Noon Rotary Club; Assistant Governor of Rotary District 6690; and Paul Harris Fellow), it was widely known that none of David's accolades would have been achievable without the strength, fortitude, and purposefulness of Audrey.
Always the devoted mother, she was a loyal supporter of the St. Clairsville School System and athletic programs. Audrey and David took great pride in their love of their animals and the outdoors at their Bluebird Farm on Denham Road. They also cherished their opportunity to serve as positive role models for many young men who worked on their farm.
Audrey spent the last nine years of her life serving as an exemplary caregiver during her husband’s illness and subsequent death in 1999. She moved back to Chardon in 2000, and became her only sister, Karla Schoenewe Keller's caregiver until Karla's death in 2007.
Audrey remained loyal to her Iowa roots visiting Okoboji and Everly on a yearly basis. Her love and gift for music permeated her entire life. She was an accomplished pianist and soloist singing at weddings and funerals, performing in numerous church choirs, and teaching piano in her home. She was also known for her love for Cleveland and Ohio State sports teams and her fondness for the Cleveland Orchestra.
Always the most gracious, kind, and dignified woman, Audrey made an enduring impression on all she met inspiring others with unconditional love and selflessness. Audrey is remembered for her humble nature and her ability to genuinely connect with others with her unique and contagious smile. From her thoughtful cards to her intuitive and unselfish gifts, Audrey had the presence of making you feel most important to her. Indeed, knowing her inspired you to be a better human being. She was a woman with great class and elegance, who took great pride in all her lifetime roles as Daughter, Sister, Wife, Sister-in-Law, Daughter-in-Law, Mother, Mother-in-Law, Aunt, Godmother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Cousin, and Friend.
Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, David A. Osborne II in 1999; sister, Karla Keller (nee Schoenewe) in 2007; father, Henry Schoenewe in 1974; stepmother, Hilda Schoenewe (nee Norby) in 1983; and mother, Florence Schoenewe (nee Schoelerman) in 1930.
Surviving are her sons, David A. Jr. (Sandy Bergsten) of Shaker Heights, Richard M. (Sandra) of Lunenberg, Mass., and James M. (Lisa) of Chardon; daughter, Ann L. (Donna Tramontozzi) of Pacifica, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008, at Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 South Hambden St., Chardon, followed by a reception to celebrate Audrey’s life.
The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.
Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Forward Funeral Home, (216) 752-1200.
For additional information and directions, log online to www.legacy.com.
[ back ]
