Audrey Josephine Knie 1935-2020
The Mouse Who Roared
Audrey Knie, the fashion maven of second hand clothes, died on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Affectionately called ‘Mouse’ by those who knew her well, but her three children Lynda, Rick, and Lisa, knew her otherwise. At all of five feet, Audrey was a lion in mouse’s clothing.
She faced many challenges throughout her life, but Audrey’s fiery spirit proved resilient every time. She was one of few working women in the 1950s, beginning her professional career as a registered nurse in Oshawa and Scarborough. She valiantly survived cancer in her mid-twenties, incurring radiation damage that affected her in to her final years. When faced with raising three children as a single parent, Audrey returned to school to complete her B.A. in Psychology at York University and her M.S.W. at the Wilfred Laurier University, later returning to her hometown in Midland working as a family therapist at Kinark Children and Youth Centre and a private psychotherapist.
Audrey was dedicated to working hard and made life-long friendships wherever she went. She had an impressive ability to connect with everyone who crossed her path and as a result she was surrounded by great friends her entire life. Audrey had a huge heart, and while she loved her friends and her children, nobody held a more important place in her heart than her six grandchildren – Amanda, Elissa, Kate, Michael, James, and Alex – whom she was all so proud.
Like all lions, Audrey couldn’t be tamed. She spent her life exploring new places, embarking on solo adventures abroad and trying new things. When it was time for another change, Audrey uprooted her life and moved to the ocean in Sooke, BC. Even in her final months, when she could no longer live independently, she dedicated so much of her energy planning all the ways that she could remain in her beloved oceanside condo. After two extended hospital stays and three care homes, Audrey’s energy finally faded. With two of her loving children by her side, she breathed her last breath and will be forever missed.
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Audrey was my Godmother. We shared the same Feb.3 birthday.I always loved her sense of humour and seemingly endless energy She was a positive influence and role model. She encouraged and advised me throughout my nursing career..loved the family visits we shared Queen St.and later when she visited us at Cawaja Beach. My condolences to the Knie family.. She was loved by many and will be missed.
Thank you for your kind words, Steve. Mom certainly loved your Mom and all the Irvine kids and many happy hours were passed sitting around the kitchen table talking and laughing. As a young girl, I had no idea families could be so busy and fun!
Lisa
I had the pleasure of getting to know Audrey during her time at Kinark. Such a kind and caring person, she never failed to bring a smile or share a word of wisdom with me. That was more than 20 years ago and I have never forgotten her. My deepest sympathy. Audrey was certainly a special lady!
Audrey literally saved my life many years ago in Midland. Thanks to her strength, compassion, love, sense of humour and great skills as a psychotherapist I was able to heal. I have never forgotten her, she was one in a million and I feel blessed to have had her in my life when I needed help. My sincere sympathies to her family and friends.
She was a dear cousin although she lived far away. When I did see her in Midland she was a very caring always laughing and a wonderful person. RIP Audrey and condolences to all the family. Love Jane Irvine Ralph’s daughter
Audrey helped me through a very difficult period of my life many years ago in Midland. We had many great conversations in her office and tea times at her cottage at Little Lake. She was a dear lady and over the years and even just recently I have spoken of her with great fondness. Audrey’s family were very blessed to have her in their lives and it seems she lived exactly as she would have wanted. God Bless and Rest in Peace dear Audrey
Lynda, we were so sorry to read of your Mum’s death. You spoke of her often when we had our coffee time after Pilates. She was an amazing woman! Bonnie
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing Lynda. What a remarkable life she had.
Now who will share double chocolate cake and coffee with me? Audrey had an appetite for food and connection. She never missed a moment to brag about her grand kids. When her short term memory began to fade I heard these stories many times. More time for cake! I will miss her greatly, her laughter and encouragement to live a life you dream for yourself. I’m glad to know her lovely daughter Lynda, and with her, we will remember.
I offer my condolences to Audrey’s family. You were the universe to her.She loved you all passionately; She was a very dear friend to me, she took me under her wing when I first came to Sooke. It made all the difference in my life. She has created memories in my life as well as all the friends she adopted in our Beachcomber club.I will cherish her memory. Rest in peace dear Audrey,the angels must have greeted you with glee, I’m sure you are already helping them out with an update in style.I love you. ,till we meet again. Jocelyne
I am so sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing, and send my condolences to her family. She did, indeed, love her grandchildren! She was a tough, kind lady who gave my dad some of the happiest years of his life, and I will always be grateful to her for that, and for taking in and caring for my aunt and uncle following their car accident. She was one in a million and I am grateful to have known her. I am certain that she is soaring, now! She will be in our hearts, always. ❤️
So very sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and didn’t want. I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent at her place before and after our accident. One brave lady that overcame many things. I appreciated her generosity and loved going to Thrift Shops wit her. I have many happy memories of her. She will be missed. Rox
It is overly sad when some people must leave us. Audrey is such a person. I met her a few times thru’ Rod and they stayed with me in Langley. Interesting, fun company..very rare and I will miss. Hugs, Ingrid
It is overly sad when some people must leave us. Audrey certainly is such a person. I met her a few times thru’ Rod and they stayed with me in Langley. Interesting, fun company..very rare. Hugs, Ingrid
I am saddened to know that my friend Audrey has passed. We were friends for many years and although distance separated us we did keep in touch. I will miss her. My thoughts are with you Lynda, Lisa and Rick and your children..Audrey’s grandchildren that she loved so much. I am sorry for your loss and may her memory be a blessing.