Audrey Caryl Pearson, 80

Sept. 15, 1929 - Aug. 26, 2010

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Bernice (Reavey) Pearson. Her father was in service for the Navy at the time of her birth.

Audrey's fondest memories were during her high school years, living in Fallon, Nev. She worked in the local soda fountain where she earned the money to buy her first horse - a wild mustang who soon became her gentle pal. Audrey met her best friend, Janeece, in Fallon and they continued to be best friends for the next 60 years of her life.

Audrey married at the young age of 18 years and two years later her only child, Diane, was born. Although that marriage ended in divorce, Audrey married Alvin Richardson in 1956. During her marriage with Al, they did very well in the automotive repair business. She was the bookkeeper while he worked with the clients. The business flourished, for the next 20 years, with their expertise.

Between June 1977 and January 1988, Audrey pursued higher education, acquiring her B.A. in business education and social services, acquiring a credential to teach K-12 and a credential to teach at the community college level. However, it was her special education credential which would give her the greatest joy and feeling of accomplishment.

Although her marriage to Al eventually ended in divorce, she would go on to a third marriage to Thomas Turner. A few years later that marriage would also end in divorce. Since 1989 she remained happily single for the rest of her life. In 1993 she came to Coeur d'Alene.

Audrey's daughter and two granddaughters were the light of her life. Diane considered her mom her best friend. They shared many fond memories whether they were working in the yard together or traveling the world.

One of Audrey's most significant features was her generosity. If she knew you were in need, she was there to help. Whether she was putting a smile on the face of a severely handicapped child or making sure her single daughter and grandchildren never went without - she always gave 100 percent.

She was a mother beyond compare and we will truly miss her.

Audrey is survived by her daughter, Diane Richardson of Dalton Gardens; her granddaughters, Gillian and Danica Dodds in California; and her nephew, Roy Grenfell in California.