Obituary of Audrey Patricia ERNST (nee Airlie)

March 21, 1927 - Albert Park, Alberta  
January 26, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Audrey Ernst, beloved wife of Edwin (Eddie) Ernst, of Calgary, AB passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at the age of 92 years.

Audrey was born in Albert Park, AB on March 21, 1927. She accomplished much throughout her life and was particularly proud of her experiences as a teacher and principal. Audrey married her life partner, Eddie, in 1960, and they had a beautiful life together. Right up until Audrey’s passing, they longed to be together and were each other’s soulmate. Soon after marriage, Audrey’s most challenging, but her children hope most rewarding, career began raising her four children. Much later, she renewed her work with young children by working as an educational assistant and school secretary through the Calgary Board of Education; in particular, she had many fond memories working with the staff at Deer Run School. She was very proud of her father’s accomplishments serving the community and school board in Forest Lawn and whom eventually had a school named after him, Patrick Airlie School. Her father’s service had a lasting impact on her own life and helped shaped her desire to also serve others in education and care for people in the communities where she lived.

After a long and blessed life in Calgary, Audrey and Eddie moved to the Okanagan area during retirement. There they shared many joyous occasions with family and newfound friends while experiencing the beauty and warmth that the Kelowna area provides. Audrey’s most memorable vacations were when she went overseas to visit family in England (whom she loved dearly) and then travelled to nearby countries such as Italy, Scotland, and France. Audrey also enjoyed her times during summers visiting her sister Irene and brother-in-law, Jim, and their children in B.C. She also frequented Victoria during winters where she had the opportunity to spend time with friends.  

Audrey will, undoubtedly, be remembered for her thoughtfulness, patience, and love for her family. Her empathetic nature made a difference in the lives of others and helped to make the world a kinder, gentler place.   

Besides her loving husband Eddie, Audrey will forever be missed and remembered by her four children, Riley Ernst (Nadine), Kelly Ernst (Gary Courtney), Shauna Ernst (Jeff Mostowich), and Tara Ernst (Roger Siemens); and grandchildren, Randi Ernst (Jake Gross), Wyatt Ernst, Liam Mostowich, Lucas Mostowich, Aiden Siemens, and Behbod Vaziri. Audrey is also survived by nieces and great-nieces that were like children and grandchildren to her while living in West Kelowna, Roselyn Ernst Anderson (Peter Stupniski), Joanne Galloway, Lorine Ernst-Kelly, Devon Galloway, Alexa Galloway, Kylie Francis (Tyler), Lindsey Brown (Spencer), Breanna Anderson (Kyle Marlow), and Karalee Anderson. In addition, she loved spending time with another favourite Kelowna relative, Joyce Roesch. Audrey is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Ernie Ernst (predeceased by Ethel and Betty), and Clarence Ernst (Phyllis) as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who live(d) in Canada and abroad in England and Ireland; in particular, all of the Whitehurst clan. Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Lily Airlie, father and mother-in-law, Alex and Edna Ernst, sister Irene Conroy, and brother-in-law, Albert Ernst (survived by Alice), and numerous cousins from England, all of who she is, undoubtedly, now rejoicing with on the other side.  

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 31, 2020, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 2:30 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, www.alzheimercalgary.com.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Audrey’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.  

Audrey’s family would like to thank the nurses at Revera Evergreen and Whitehorn Village for the loving care provided to her.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Audrey Ernst. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.