Audrey Kaufman
Audrey’s life journey came to an end on Monday, November 20, 2023 in Marquette, Michigan at her Point Loma home surrounded by her loving family. For almost two years she fought a rare, aggressive leukemia with strength, grace, reality and a trust in God.
Audrey was born on October 13, 1947, on Staten Island, New York to Rex and Margaret (O’Donnell) Carlson. She graduated from Mater Dei High School (Class of 1965), in Middletown, New Jersey. In 1969, Audrey graduated with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Rosary Hill College in Buffalo, New York. She taught elementary school for several years until, quite by accident, she entered the field of advertising where she did on-camera commercials, industrial films, print work, and voice overs.
In the 70’s and 80’s, Audrey raised her two children, Karin and Carl. She was a loving, caring, nurturing mother who always made time for family and friends, all while working to support her family.
In 1987, Audrey met Peter Kaufman and they were married two years later. They spent the early years of their marriage in Montecito, California where they were active members of Birnam Wood Golf Club. Audrey was an active volunteer and member of the board for Storyteller, a daycare center for the children of the homeless. At Storyteller, she was able to return to her love of working with children. Upon marrying Peter, Audrey was quickly introduced to the beauty and charm of his boyhood home of Marquette, Michigan. Together they enjoyed many summers there with friends and family, explored the granite rocks of Lake Superior’s shoreline, feasted on whitefish from Thill’s, climbed Sugarloaf, enjoyed pasty picnics on the rocks, and planned the construction of their dream home on the shoreline of Lake Superior. In the early 1990’s, they made Marquette their permanent home to oversee the construction of Point Loma, and their vision of a home along the shores of Lake Superior finally became a reality in 2002. As Karin and Carl raised their own families they visited often. Audrey was proud of her children and grandchildren who brought her so much joy with every cherished visit.
Although Audrey lived in 9 states over her lifetime, she loved the beauty of Lake Superior, the vibrance of Marquette’s community, and her deep connections with lasting friendships. Audrey and Peter had an incredibly warm and loving relationship. They traveled the world together, and loved to host fundraisers, celebrations, community work meetings, and holiday parties. They were a team and one rarely saw them apart. Audrey was an indispensable partner in Peter’s life work. She always had a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face. She made people comfortable instantly with her warmth and hospitality. Audrey was very proud to serve on the Louis G. Kaufman Endowment Fund Board which benefits Marquette’s children through scholarships and programs such as Coats for Kids, School Police Liaison, the Sports Complex, and numerous other programs for kids. In 2020, Audrey and Peter received the Lifetime of Giving award from the Marquette Area Public Schools District. And in 2023, they were awarded the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee’s Youth Award in recognition of the Kaufman family’s support for significant programs for Marquette’s children for almost a century.
Audrey is survived by her husband, Peter Kaufman; her daughter Karin Anderson (Roger) Shady and their children Tyler and Emily; her son Carl (Kelly) Anderson and their children Aidan and Adalyn; Peter’s children: daughter-in-law Meggin Kaufman and her sons Samuel and Michael; daughter Wendy Kaufman and her daughter Ashlyn (Ryan) Shields; and son Garrett (Melissa) Kaufman and his children Daisy and Nathan. She is also survived by her brothers Bill (Michelle) Carlson and John Carlson. And she is survived by sister-in-law Ann (Kaufman) Jordan, special aunts: Judy Adams, Joan (Al) O’Donnell, Joan (Jim) O’Donnell, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
It was Audrey’s wish to send her gratitude to all her friends and family who lovingly supported her over the last couple of years. Her family and friends will remember her warmth, her kindness, her generosity of spirit, and her loving concern for and interest in others. She will be deeply missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 29th at 12 noon in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev’ Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. A celebration of Audrey’s life will follow at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for food, fellowship and sharing of memories. All are invited. Entombment will take place in the Kaufman Family Mausoleum.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Peter and Audrey Kaufman Foundation c/o First Bank, 1502 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Audrey’s memory.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the Kaufman family where memories of Audrey may be shared at canalefuneral.com.