Audrey Anne Van Eerden

VAN EERDEN, Audrey Anne September 24, 1941 - September 5, 2022 Audrey Van Eerden (nee Gebben), of Victoria, BC, passed away on September 5, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's, with her loving husband at her side. Today, September 24, 2022, would have been her 81st birthday. Audrey, along with her five siblings, was born and raised on a small farm in Shelbyville near Grand Rapids, Michigan. After completing two years of study at Calvin College in Grand Rapids she came to Canada in 1961, to teach at a private Christian school in Smithers, BC at her then tender age of 19. As an early testament to her lifelong penchant for adventure she chose Smithers, rather than a similar opportunity in California, as it was nearer to Alaska. Audrey met Evert (Ev) Van Eerden in Smithers in 1961. They married on August 1st, 1963. Ev quickly learned that not only was Audrey adventurous, which led to many surprises, but she also had boundless energy. There was always a little more left in the tank and time to do something more. Complaining was not a part of her demeanor, not even during her illness. After Smithers, Audrey taught at other private schools in Sumas, WA and Vancouver, BC. Moving to Victoria in 1968, she resumed her post-secondary education at the University of Victoria, obtaining multiple degrees. She rekindled her teaching career in the Greater Victoria School District, teaching at Craigflower, Rockheights and at Lakehill Elementary schools. Audrey was a creative, innovative, and caring teacher, applying her signature enthusiasm and energy. Students (and parents) gravitated to her student-centric approach and belief in students as "whole" learners. Consistent with that principle, Audrey's students did much learning on frequent field trips and benefitted from the many classroom visitors who contributed a great variety of skills, knowledge and experience. While teaching and raising a family, Audrey also passionately pursued her many interests, including pottery, weaving, gardening, music, cycling, rowing, the outdoors, travel and fitness. She volunteered at the Pacific Horticulture Centre (HCP) and Victoria Hospice. Never one to sit idle, after her retirement in 1999 she continued with many of her earlier interests and her enthusiasm for the arts, added golf with the "Golf Gals", X-country skiing with the "Ski Bums", and became a very accomplished Masters rower with national and international Masters championships to her name. Ever modest, her medals lived in a shoe box for her grandchildren to play with. Soon after retirement, Audrey announced her intent to become a stone sculptor. We built a studio, and she started carving which she continued until very late in life. She was largely self-taught, and an eclectic legacy of her unique art is testament to her creative vision. Audrey was predeceased by her two older brothers, Alan and Wendell. She is survived by her loving husband, Ev, their two sons, Trevor and Ivan (Patricia Macmillan), and her cherished grandchildren, Emma, Ethan and Aidan, and her three sisters, Carole, Noreen and Rae Many have commented on Audrey's warm and engaging smile that she offered throughout her life and continued until close to her passing. That precious smile remains with us - always. She enriched us all, gifting us with a life of memories and we will remember her thirst for adventure and boundless energy. The family is deeply grateful to Audrey's personal Care Giver, Johanna, who provided so much loving care during the past four years, both at our home and at the long-term care facility where Audrey resided for the past year. We also thank the staff at Luther Court for their kind and compassionate care. A Celebration of Audrey's Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers or donations, emulate Audrey's adventurous, energetic, and creative spirit and - "try something new."