Audrey May Campbell was a brilliant light in this world. Smart, funny, kind, curious, and ever-supportive, she touched countless lives as a beloved family member, friend, and teacher.

Audrey was born February 12, 1947, in Windsor, Ontario to Edward and Ellen Burley, who later moved their young family to Mississauga. Although sister Marilyn was six years Audrey's senior, the two Burley girls would remain close throughout their lives.

Always a dedicated student, Audrey graduated as valedictorian from Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School in 1966. Her yearbook bio pet peeve was "Teachers who lecture more than they teach", and she took that passion for excellence in education with her to Lakeshore Teachers College.

During the career that followed Audrey took on many roles within the Peel District School Board, including her favourite as teacher-librarian. She taught at schools such as Floradale, Forest Avenue, and Queen Elizabeth, often mentoring new teachers and volunteering on endless projects and committees. She only officially retired from teaching after supporting the 2005 launch of Peel's first year-round school; she was recruited directly by the principal to join the inaugural staff at Roberta Bondar Public School in Brampton.

On June 24, 1967, Audrey married Roderick Campbell. Coming from a small family and quiet home, it was a sharp contrast for the studious Audrey to attach herself to the raucous Campbell Clan of six brothers who excelled in sports and trouble-making. Between card games and gatherings with friends and extended family, trips to Whip-Poor-Will Lodge, and travelling for hockey and lacrosse games, Audrey and Rod put off having children for another eight years while they embraced the joys of their odd-couple life together.

When they did have a family, Audrey was a remarkable mother. She loved reading to her two children (and doing all the voices) and leading them in nightly conversations at the dinner table. She loved decorating for holidays and making birthdays special, and embraced any opportunity to dress up in a costume or wear a silly hat. She was a wonderful storyteller and built up a tradition of telling and re-telling family tales, many of which featured pets past and present. As her children grew and discovered their own interests, Audrey supported them with unending enthusiasm, and continued to do so when they became adults.

When Audrey lost her husband suddenly at the end of 2003, she leaned into her many activities and interests. She loved books and discussing them in book clubs she joined or organized. She also loved theatre and film, and a new chapter in her life opened the day she learned about binge watching television. She delighted in game nights with her sister and friends, which were more about the stories and laughter than who won or lost. Audrey was always interested in world issues and cultures, and in history, science, art, and nature. She was a member of several United Church congregations in her life, where she both celebrated her faith and enjoyed embracing the big questions of religion.

Audrey left us all too soon, passing on November 6, 2024 at the age of 77. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sister. She is survived by her loving children, Roderick Edward and Marilyn Anne, and their respective partners Jenn Campbell and Steve Alguire. Audrey was a devoted grandmother to Cadence, Ewan, Idelle, and Mirren, who miss her terribly but will carry her love with them always.

An animal lover all her life, Audrey was also predeceased by dogs Danny, Duke, and Whiskey; cats Sandra, Muffy, Kitty, and Maxwell; and numerous small animal companions. She is survived by grand-cats Charlotte, Rubin, Snickers, Goose, and Poppy; grand-pup Atari; and "the squatter" George the rabbit, who showed up one day as a stray and gave Audrey a whole new set of stories to tell during the final year of her life.

All are welcome to honour Audrey's life and memory at Turner & Porter “Peel Chapel”, 2180 Hurontario Street, on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. and the service begins at 11:00 a.m., with reception to immediately follow. Please come for as much or as little as you like, and dress as you are comfortable.

Audrey's ashes will be interred at Springcreek Cemetery in Clarkson in a private family service in the spring.

Those who remember Audrey are asked to take some time to read a book to a child in your life or, if you find no children around, read one to yourself. Donations in her memory may be made to the literacy, children's, or animal charity of your choosing.

**This memorial webpage is designed to be a collaborative effort. Along with signing the guest book, please feel free to share your own memories of Audrey in the "Life Stories" section, and submit any photos of Audrey that you would like to share.**