By Chris & Jordan Heide
What can be said about a woman who had a tremendous impact on the world? How can words properly capture a woman whose entire persona is beyond definition?
Audrey Diane Stone (née Rigg) was born on November 22nd, 1931 and passed away on June 3rd, 2022. She was the oldest of three children, sister to Dory and Don, and grew up in Portland, Oregon, before moving to Seattle as a young adult.
While she was never a perfect person, Audrey was always authentic. Authenticity transcends perfection. She was a woman of conviction, grace and she always stood up for what was right, especially during the decades when women were considered to be less than their male counterparts. She lived her life as she wanted to, not what others would have her be. She was unapologetically herself. She loved the color purple, martinis, smoking cigarettes from a long holder, cats, musicals, candy, colored panty hose, wigs and crushed velvet hot pants.
Because of this, Audrey was able to provide her beloved daughter Susan with an unparalleled sense of strength and unconditional love. Audrey always said that having Susan as a daughter was one of the proudest achievements of her life. Susan always said that Audrey was the one person who always supported and loved her without judgment or conditions. She taught her to never let anyone steal her joy. She also taught her how to navigate the world as a strong, independent, fearless woman. Even during times when money was tight, Audrey would always make things special for Susan.
Audrey’s pride in life was also being a grandmother. She often said it was one of the best parts of her life. Audrey really was one of the greatest grandmothers of all time and everything a grandparent should be. She loved unconditionally and focused all her attention on instilling positivity and joy into her grandchildren’s lives. She spent countless summers with her eldest grandchildren, Christopher and Jordan. Those times were filled with sugary treats, adventures, ghost stories, pizza, Yahtzee, I Love Lucy marathons, theater, singing, dancing, and so much more. To be in the presence of Audrey was to be in the presence of love.
Audrey faced oppression, discrimination and she never allowed it to affect her spirit. Her ability to unapologetically stand true to her convictions was unrelenting. She loved sharing her passions with others and had one of the kindest hearts in the world. She embodied resiliency.
Her grandson Christopher was her motivation for her sobriety and, in turn, she became a motivation for his sobriety. Her impact was just that tremendous. Because of this, Christopher and Audrey shared a special bond that only two people who have experienced sobriety can. Audrey always reminded Christopher that he was worthy and enough, and embraced Christopher fully when he came out as gay. Audrey was progressive, supportive and never judgemental. She was a safe and special confidant. Audrey’s tenacity, adult sense of humor, self-awareness, and authenticity were lessons she taught to Christopher.
In Audrey, Jordan found a birthday twin, a dear friend, a beloved caretaker, and a kindred spirit. Audrey famously stated that Jordan was “the best birthday present” she ever received. Jordan loved to share her birthday with Audrey and felt blessed by this fortuitous coincidence. Audrey was an amazing confidant, in whom Jordan found validation, unconditional love, support, and empathy. Jordan and Audrey battled similar mental health struggles and Audrey always made herself available to lend an ear. Audrey’s relentless perseverance continues to inspire Jordan’s resilience. Audrey was a brilliant, witty, lively, unique, joyous soul and her cheerful disposition was infectious. Jordan was immensely appreciative of and grateful for the bond the two shared through birthdays, traits, and demons, alike. Audrey’s love knew no bounds and Jordan felt tremendously lucky to have such an incredible woman as a grandmother.
Audrey will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her daughter Susan, her four grandchildren, Christopher, Jordan (whom she shares a birthday with), April, and Ivy and their mother Janita, her nieces Lynette and Denna (who always said that Audrey was their favorite aunt), and her sister Dory. She was preceded in death by her brother Don and her son, Jeff.
Audrey was an amazing, brave, compassionate and charismatic woman who positively impacted those around her. Her legacy will live on through those who loved her.