Audrey Jean McCready

A true blessing, Audrey McCready was a delightful woman to know and love. She considered her life enriched and her heart blessed, and with her loving and kind spirit, Audrey carried herself with a grace all her own. She was a woman of faith who's caring, servant's heart will be forever remembered. Marked by a time of prosperity, the Roaring Twenties emerged as a decade of economic prosperity rich with optimism and innovation. The stock market soared and people everywhere were brimming with hope. Yet in the bustling city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Oscar and Lillie (Radiske) Martin found excitement of their own on July 25, 1927, with the birth of their little girl, Audrey Jean. One of two children, Audrey entered the world in a breech position and, with her birth, came the completion of their family. Audrey's family made their home in Hopkins, Minnesota before moving to St. Louis Park, a suburb of Minneapolis when she was three years old. Raised alongside her older brother, Donald, Audrey enjoyed a memorable, yet typical childhood of the times, but life was not easy. The onset of the Great Depression was cause for hard economic times. Through these years of hardship, Audrey and her family learned many valuable lessons. Her parents worked hard for anything they had, and the saying, "Waste not, want not," was something they readily lived by. When Audrey's father lost his job, he had to work for the Works Progress Administration. They later lost their home, but soon moved to a small rental house on the next street. They made use of the vacant lot next to their home with a large garden where her brother, Don, raised chickens. As a boy, Don sold newspapers, and one time, rather than choosing a prize for himself with his earnings, he bought Audrey a doll. Their home on Xenwood Avenue was just a few blocks from Brookside School where Audrey attended. She and her brother came home for lunch each day, and Campbell's Tomato Soup was her favorite lunchtime treat. With one bedroom and a sun porch, Don slept in the sun porch, and Audrey shared her parent's room. She often recalled the lovely hollyhocks at the back corner of the house which was always a fond memory. She also had a dog, Puff, who was tan with curls over his eyes. Even though the local dogcatcher chased Puff often, Audrey was sure her mother kept him in the house sometimes to keep him from getting caught.As a young girl, Audrey occupied her time cutting pictures from newspapers and magazines. She was most interested in young starlet Shirley Temple, the Campbell Soup kids, and the Dionne quintuplets, medical miracles of the time. One time when her Grandpa Stevenson gave her an Indian head copper necklace, Audrey was thrilled beyond compare. Audrey's family didn't have a car, except for the time they lived in Brookside, a coupe with a rumble seat, as kids she and Don thought it was the best, but driving was not her father's favorite thing to do. Instead, they walked, rode the bus or rode with family. During her high school years, Audrey and her friends played Monopoly at her house where neighbor kids were always welcomed. After graduating from St. Louis Park High School in 1945, Audrey went on to graduate from Trinity Seminary and Bible Institute in Minneapolis before attending Mankato State Teachers College. Although Audrey had a desire to become a missionary, meeting a tall, dark and handsome farmer named Curtis McCready through a friend changed her plans. After dating for a time and falling deeply in love, the couple was married on June 7, 1957, in St. Louis Park. In 1960 they moved to St. Charles to farm with Curtis' parents. In time, Audrey and Curtis were blessed with the births of three wonderful daughters, Dawn, Bonnie, and Darla who filled her heart with joy. Audrey always had a quiet faith. She and Don often attended the Christian Endeavor youth group at church. One time while at church camp at Medicine Lake, Audrey clearly heard and took the gospel into her heart. She and Don went forward to profess their faith, but Audrey lacked assurance for months after. They later went to Youth for Christ meetings in Minneapolis where a young Billy Graham preached, and it profoundly made a difference in Audrey's faith. Along with raising her family, Audrey put her teaching degree to good use. She taught in Cokato, Mountain Lake, Albert Lea, Chatfield, and in St. Charles. She also served as a substitute teacher in area schools for several years. As a couple, Audrey and Curtis worked part-time at North Star Foods from 1985-2002. She was also an Avon representative for over 25 years, reaching President's Club level. As a member of St. Charles Bible Church, Audrey enjoyed serving in various ways. She taught Sunday school, served as a Deaconess, and participated in the Ladies Missionary Fellowship. In addition, she was also a member of Panhandlers Homemakers. Audrey loved to cook and entertain, especially on Sundays, and often invited friends after church to join them for Sunday dinner. Audrey's faith was an integral part of her life. She held fast to her beliefs, and her caring, servant's heart knew no bounds. With certain dignity, she felt strongly about how to properly dress for church. Audrey also loved to write. For 56 years she wrote 100 Christmas letters each year, often asking family members to read and proof them before they made their way to the mail box. While attending teacher's college, Audrey met her dear friend, Phyllis, and through the years they faithfully wrote to one another. Audrey was one of a kind. It was a delight to share her company as she treated everyone with great kindness. She loved her husband dearly, but she was always looking after her beloved Curt, often exclaiming, "Curt, you need a haircut." And so typical of Audrey, "Curt, Curt, fix your collar!" even as she was being treated in the ER! Finally, when exasperated, it was always, "I Yi Yi!" When it came to her family, Audrey dearly loved each and every one of them. She anticipated seeing her loved ones in heaven one day. She encouraged them, in the meantime, to love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. Her family enriched her life greatly, and for that she felt truly blessed. She was especially thankful for her faithful, loving, helpful, husband of 58 years whom she loved deeply. In her words, "God gave her the best!" A heart that knew no bounds, the memory of Audrey is that of a faithful and loving woman who will be deeply missed. Life will never be the same without her, but the legacy she leaves behind is one that leaves much to aspire for. Audrey Jean McCready, 88, of St. Charles died Wednesday, August 5th at her daughter's home in hospice care. Survivors include her husband, Curtis; three daughters: Dawn (Alan) Pilcher of Valley Center, KS, Bonnie (Nick) Prudoehl of St. Charles, and Darla (Duane, Jr.) Dunavan of Terra Bella, CA; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Rev. Donald (Nola) Martin of Hutchinson, MN. Funeral Services will be Monday, 11:00AM at St. Charles Bible Church with the Rev. James Barnhart officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles. Friends may call from 4-7PM Sunday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials may be directed to Gideon's International. Pallbearers: Luke, Levi, Gideon, and Samuel Prudoehl, Dustin Dunavan and Duane Dunavan III. Honorary Pallbearer: Amos Prudoehl. To share a favorite memory of Audrey, view her Life Story video tribute and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/619579