Audrey Lorraine Gingrich (nee Richardson)
February 22, 1940 – April 26, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our gentle Mother, Audrey.

Mom was born in Turtleford, and raised on a farm just west of town with her three brothers and a sister. After finishing school, she moved to town, where she met and married Arnold Gingrich in 1959 and raised three daughters along with two prolific vegetable gardens, and as many stray animals as wandered in to their yard. Once we girls were all in school, Mom trained and became a school bus driver for the Turtleford School Division where she drove full time for 10 years, and part-time for another seven.

After retiring, Mom and Dad bought a truck and camper and travelled all directions from home, making trips west to the Rocky Mountains; north to Alaska, Yukon and the North West Territories; east (by train) to Churchill, Manitoba; south to numerous states in the USA; or simply to the nearest campsite for an evening campfire supper. Despite a fear of flying, Mom was even coaxed into travelling to Spain, North Africa, Mexico and Hawaii, but was always relieved to step on home soil once again.

The outdoors and nature were Mom’s love and rejuvenation, and she never declined an opportunity to meet family and friends for whatever: a picnic, a reunion, a cross-country ski, or an evening paddle in her kayak.

After Dad’s passing in 2000, Mom relocated to Meadow Lake, SK, to be closer to her only two grandchildren, Andrew and Ian. She quickly found her niche, making many new friends, enjoying drives in the country, weekly coffee outings, walks in the Lion’s Park, trips to visit her daughters, and delivering Meals-on-Wheels right up until a mild stroke in 2018 shifted her world sideways. Despite the consequent loss of her independence, she bore her new reality with humility and grace, and never once complained.

Mom passed away peacefully with family by her side, and a host of wonderful, caring staff and residents at the L. Gervais Memorial Health Centre in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan. She will be deeply missed by her daughters Cindy (Bob) Wilson of Meadow Lake, SK, Tracy and Carole Gingrich of Cold Lake and Wetaskiwin, AB respectively; grandchildren and great grandchildren Andrew (Carolyn) Wilson and their son Avner of Calgary, AB, and Ian (Britany) Wilson and their children Peyton and Jack of Meadow Lake, SK; one sister-in-law Margaret (Joe) Galipeau of Beaumont, AB; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mom was predeceased by her husband Arnold Gingrich, parents Frank and Mae Richardson; step-father Jack Graham; brothers and sisters-in-law Ross (Marilyn) Richardson, Glen (Audrey) Richardson and Barry Richardson, sister and brother-in-law Joan (Frank) Bannerman; her mother and father-in-law Vera and Irvin Gingrich and all of Dad’s siblings: sisters Fern and Lorraine, and brothers Raymond, Cecil and Delbert.

A memorial service for Mom will be held on May 9, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Grace United Church in Meadow Lake, SK. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made through memorial donations to: Heart & Stroke Foundation, L. Gervais Memorial Centre in Goodsoil, SK (Ph 306-238-2100), Meadow Lake Hospital Foundation, Grace United Church in Meadow Lake (Ph 306-236-6266), Meadow Lake Humane Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences To The Family Can Be Sent To www.jethomasfuneralhome.com

J.E. Thomas Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd. of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan have been entrusted with the arrangements (306) 236-5501

• Date : 2026-04-26
• Location : Goodsoil, Sask.