Audrey Grace (Rusk) Hanbidge

Of Owen Sound, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 20th, 2018 at the age of 93 years.  Beloved wife of the late C.O. (Hank) Hanbidge (2004) and dearly loved mother of Tom and his wife, Brenda, and John and his wife, Dianne.  Precious grandmother of Jennifer Bluhm (Steve), Marc, Heather, Jessica Andary (Chuck), Evan and Christopher.  Audrey is survived by her sister-in-law Shirley Hayward, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Audrey was predeceased by her parents Annie (Kirkland) and James Rusk, her older brother Richard and his wife Audrey, her younger sister Emily and her husband Harold Gardhouse, as well as, sisters-in-law Helen Dutton, Ida Hanbidge, Dorothy Hanbidge and Joan Hanbidge, and brothers-in-law Leith Hanbidge, Bob Hanbidge, Ed Dutton and Ken Hayward.

Audrey was raised at Park Head, ON (near Hepworth) on the family farm, then gainfully employed from a young age serving as one of the few female store managers of the A&P Grocery Store chain (Collingwood, ON outlet) during WWII. After her marriage to Hank, Audrey worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the creation and continuance of one of the lasting insurance businesses in Owen Sound, namely, Hanbidge & Bowman Ltd. Audrey loved to entertain and organize many gatherings at home for various relatives and friends at what became fittingly described as the “Hanbidge Hotel”.  With Audrey’s extraordinary green thumb skills, she cherished her extensive backyard garden creations. Audrey was also active in the community with her ongoing involvement with the Knox United Church Ladies Auxiliary and the Grey & Bruce Hospital Auxiliary. Audrey participated in and had great enthusiasm for the sport of curling, with both her and Hank competing in various curling bonspiels.  Audrey and Hank and their two sons travelled extensively throughout Canada, as well as, enjoyed vacationing in Florida. Audrey also created fond memories for the numerous summer days spent at the Hanbidge retreat in Sauble Beach, ON . Special Thanks to Audrey’s extended family, including niece and close friend Mary-Lee Rusk, as well as, Dr. Van Alphen and the Central Place support staff and Dr. Doelman and the Grey Bruce Health Services – Owen Sound nursing staff for their ongoing care and support for Audrey. Audrey will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of crossing paths with her during their lifetime.

A Funeral Service for Audrey Hanbidge will be held in the chapel of the Tannahill Funeral Home at 1178 4th Ave West, Owen Sound, on Saturday, May 26th, 2018, at 1:00pm.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery., Owen Soud.

If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Owen Sound Hospital Foundation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice as an expression of sympathy.

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