Obituary of Audrey Harris-Gaunt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Audrey Harris-Gaunt on February 6, 2024, in Ottawa, Ontario. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Gaunt, daughter, Diane Wilson, and her brother and sister, Richard and Irene. Audrey was a loving mother, survived by her son, Kevin Wilson (Marilee Boles-Wilson), daughter, Kelly Wilson (Darrell Dexter), and four grandchildren, Harris, Liz, Daniel, and Evelyn. She also leaves behind her stepdaughter, Margaret Plese (Michael).

Born on May 24, 1930, to Luke and Kathleen Harris, Audrey spent her formative years on a farm in Kilmallock, CO Limerick, Ireland, alongside her younger brother and sister, George Harris and Daphne Harris. She grew up with a strong sense of resilience and determination, qualities that would define her throughout her life.

Audrey trained to be a nurse in Ireland and while intending to travel the world, her travels were cut short when she settled in Canada in 1956, marrying, raising her children, and pursuing a career in nursing in Toronto and York region, until 1993 whereupon she retired to Norwood, Ontario with her husband John. She remained in Norwood until 2016 when she moved to Ottawa.

Audrey was an adventurous spirit who explored the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. Despite the passing years, she maintained her independence, living in her own apartment and continuing to drive until the very end.

She will be remembered fondly for her warm heart and kind soul, touching the lives of all who knew her. Audrey was loved by many and cherished for her caring nature and unwavering generosity. 

In her free time, she found enjoyment in her hobbies of gardening and art and in numerous social clubs she had a knack for finding. She had a particular fondness for horses and loved watching tennis matches. Always eager to try new things and make the world a more beautiful place, she approached life with a sense of optimism and resilience, always striving to improve her surroundings and create a better future for herself and her children.

Audrey was a "tough nut," facing life's challenges with courage and determination. She fought tirelessly to provide a good life for her family, leaving behind a legacy of strength and perseverance.

Though she may no longer be with us, Audrey Harris-Gaunt's spirit will live on in the memories of those she touched and the lives she enriched. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace, forever in our hearts.

Many thanks for the amazing support provided Audrey by the dialysis team at the Queensway Hospital, Carefor Health and Community  Services and the Olde Forge Community Resource Centre.

Charitable donations in remembrance of Audrey can be made to the Ottawa Food Bank