Audrey Torrison

TORRISON, AUDREY THORINE

Audrey Torrison, 82, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, following a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer. She was born November 27, 1924, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Audrey was the first of two daughters born to Emil and Lucinda (Nelson) Miller. In 1942, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc. Following graduation, she began working at the Manitowoc County Court House in the County Clerk’s office. On June 21, 1947, she married James Walter Arthur Stian Torrison at First Lutheran Church, Manitowoc. Audrey and Jim both worked in her father’s business (Miller Welding Service), Jim as a welder and Audrey as a bookkeeper. The couple eventually took over the business in the early 1960s. Jim and Audrey expanded their loving family with the birth of their daughter Maren in 1949 and their son Scott in 1950. As a family, they shared many good times together, especially weekends at their place in Sand Bay, Door County. Later in the 1960s, Audrey began working for the Manitowoc County Fair/Expo, eventually becoming the secretary of the County Fair. She truly enjoyed being involved in every aspect of the fair in this position. In addition to being an accomplished woman in business, Audrey loved her social life and never missed a good party with family and friends. She knew how to have fun! Throughout her life, Audrey had great flair and excelled at being a hostess. She found enjoyment not only in hosting, but also in being part of her bowling league and The Lamplighters dance club. Her other great love in life was traveling with Jim. The two especially loved driving to, and spending the month of February in Key West, Florida. Later, Audrey and Jim delighted in spending their summers and retirement at their cottage on Long Lake. In 1999, Audrey moved to Ridgeview Heights in Appleton to be near her daughter. Audrey once again made many friends and embraced the social climate of her new home. She was sure to never miss a Wednesday happy hour or Friday lunch with her friends if at all possible. Even in her last four months of life, Audrey continued to make even more friends with peers and staff at Renaissance Assisted Living. Audrey was very lovingly cared for at Renaissance, and for that her family shall be forever grateful. Her hospice nurse, Suzi, also proved great care, comfort and friendship to Audrey as well. Audrey is survived by her daughter Maren and her husband Michael Pekarske; her grandchildren, Polly (Pekarske) Tripp and her husband Kyle and their children, Jack and Gretta; Meg Pekaske and her husband Eli Woyke; Ben Torrison; Kitty Torrison; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and innumerable friends. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son and her sister Colleen Cameranesi. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ThedaCare Hospice and Renaissance Assisted Living. She received much love and outstanding care from many individuals in both organizations. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for First Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. The funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2007, at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 521 North Eight Street, Manitowoc. The visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the 11:30 a.m. service to follow. A lunch will be held at the church after the service.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com