Audrey Darlene Klippenstein (nee Giesbrecht)

It is with profound sorrow, that the family of Audrey Klippenstein announces her passing, peacefully, at the Health Sciences Centre on March 29, 2024.

She was the beloved wife of Wayne Klippenstein for 46 years, the daughter of Dan and Margaret Giesbrecht, devoted mother of Trevor (Saima), Nicole (Kevin), and Holly (Kurtis); grandmother of Jack and Leah, Jersey and Hailey, Daisy, Alley, Colton, Tex, and Clint; sister to Clifford (Laura) and brothers/sisters in-law Ken (Heather), Cheryl, Shawn(Jill); auntie to numerous nieces and nephews, dear friend to many. She was predeceased by her father Dan and sister Patricia.

Audrey was born in Winkler on June 23 and lived in Crystal City and Pilot Mound for her first few years of life. She first attended a small country school near Gladstone, and later to WMCI (Gladstone). She grew up on the family farm, where she was no stranger to hard work, and acquired skills that would serve her well. Audrey first saw Wayne playing with his band; he was her date at the Sadie Hawkins dance in Gladstone in1974. Falling fast in love, they were happily married in 1977. They moved to Bagot, where they raised their three children.

Audrey worked in various positions over the years: bank teller, salon receptionist, and bookkeeper. She received her diploma in administration and worked for a Chartered Accounting firm in Portage la Prairie. She later attained a counselling certificate from Red River and worked with children in Pine Creek School Division, as a youth counsellor. In her younger years, she was also a talented ball player who dominated the pitcher’s mound: her team won a Ladies’ Provincial Championship

The family was her primary focus. Taking care of the kids always came first: Mom was firm but fair. She logged many hours behind the wheel, driving us to ball, minor hockey, and school activities. She organized and enjoyed frequent family camping trips in the summers. Mom made “amazing meals”. Our friends were welcomed and well-hosted at our house. Later on, Mom and Dad added golfing together, trips to Clear Lake and winter holidays. When the grandchildren arrived, “Nana” enjoyed their antics and listened to their stories, encouraging them to have fun and follow their pursuits, at various ages and stages.

Audrey was a loyal and supportive friend who always made time for listening and visiting. She was determined and resourceful: if you were in a “fix” she’ would dig you out herself, or find someone that could: she was unfailingly generous. Sometimes her comments were bracingly direct, but a good chuckle was not far away. Despite a no-nonsense approach to life, she could find the comical side of most situations - she did not hesitate to laugh at herself and loved sharing a good joke or funny story. People always mattered more than “stuff”.

In later years, Mom was drawn even more to the outdoors, loved flowers and working in her yard, doing puzzles, chasing after her beloved little dogs. She especially loved action movies with “fast hot cars” and Elvis Gospel tunes were her favourite.

Mom believed in God and confessed that Jesus Christ was her saviour…she knew that heaven was her eternal home. Because of Jesus, Mom is now living in glory, with her Heavenly Father.

We will never forget her bright smile and contagious laugh. She is deeply loved and will be forever missed.

A funeral service will be held at the Meyers Norris Penny Exhibition Building, Portage la Prairie, on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 1:00 pm. The reception will follow and interment will take place at Beaver Creek Cemetery.

Donations in honour of Audrey can be made to the Portage and District Community Foundation, 206 Saskatchewan Ave E, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K9.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com