Audrey May Bates (nee Burton) 96, went to be with her Lord and saviour on January 31, 2026 after a short illness. Born in London, England in 1929 to Tom and Nora Burton, Audrey grew up with siblings Gladys, Ron and Edna. Shortly after the Second World War Audrey married Albert (Al) the love of her life. They moved to Canada in 1951 with their two-year old son Stephen along with Al’s brother Cecil/Cyril and his wife Clare and their daughter Lorna where they would go on to build wonderful lives for their families.

Audrey’s first job was an usherette at a social club in London. She later worked as a hairdresser in England before moving to Canada. She graduated from hair dressing school in 1965 and then went on to various office jobs where she met her dear and lasting friends. She later found success in sales, becoming a director at Mary Kay Cosmetics in the early 80’s followed by other exciting opportunities. Her natural warmth and genuine interest in people provided her with a gift to reach out to people. She used those gifts by devoting the majority of her life to serving the Lord in various ways and contributing her time and effort to her church,
including women’s ministries and starting the clothing outlet at Long Branch Baptist Church. She went on to join City Centre Baptist Church after moving to a new home in Mississauga. Then to Renew Church after moving to Milton and finally to Graceway Baptist Church in Milton.

Audrey, a loving wife, is predeceased by her husband Al, she was a devoted and loving mother to Stephen (Corry), Laurie/Laura (Ravin) and Michael (Bernadette), nana to Sherisse (Greg), Michelle (Dave), Shawn, Adam (Jennifer) and Megan (Connor), great-nana to Liam, Grayson, Grace and Colton, auntie and great-auntie to many nieces and nephews in Canada and England and a devoted servant of Christ.

Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Milton District Hospital who cared for Audrey. Thank you to the staff at Martindale Gardens where Audrey enjoyed the last four years. Heartfelt gratitude and special thanks to Pastor Scott Ashby of Graceway Baptist Church, for his years of weekly church services for Audrey at Martindale and the comfort and counsel he provided to Audrey and her family. Thank you to her many friends, new and old who knew Audrey for her unwavering kindness and deep faith - who continued to visit, love, support and pray for Audrey until her final days.

One of Audrey’s favourite bible verses: Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Audrey Bates may be made to Graceway Baptist Church, Milton, Ontario L9T 2R3.