Audrey Helen (Lee) Klotnia

Audrey Helen Klotnia (nee Lee), born January 2, 1934, left this mortal earth for heaven on Friday morning, December 18, 2020. She was married to and is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Joseph Klotnia. Audrey and Joseph were married at St. Michael’s Chapel in Toronto, Ontario in August, 1959. She is survived by her six loving children and their spouses: Paul and Alison, Diane and Kevin, Jean and Ray, John and Laura, Maureen and Chris, and Douglas and Lisa along with her twelve loving grandchildren: Katie, Ryan, Hannah, Erin, Frances, Aaron, William, Milena, Paul, Georgia, Audrey and Eleanor. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Jean Catton, her sisters-in-law Helen Edstrom and Sue Klotnia, her dear friend Dianne Giltner, and nieces and nephews throughout the US and Canada.

Audrey joins her parents, Ernest and Frances Lee, her older brother and great lifetime friend, Alan Lee, her infant brother Albert, along with many sisters- and brothers-in-law in heaven. By their side in welcome await, her cousins, Bud and Eleanor Routh, and her longtime friend, Rich Giltner.

Audrey was proud of the six children she raised in Homewood, Illinois. In addition, Audrey offered her life in service to the benefit of both her surrounding community and her own spirit.  While a young mother in Homewood, Illinois, Audrey volunteered for the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Women’s Guild, serving in many capacities, including as President. Volunteer activities outside of the church included time spent as a den mother in the Cub Scouts, and assistant at Willow School Elementary Learning Center to name just a few. She truly enjoyed being a librarian assistant for the Children’s section of the Homewood Public Library.  Her contributions to faith, family and community were endless.

Always reinventing herself, when all her kids left the house, she earned her college degree, became a United States citizen, and learned to play the flute, joining a Seniors band along with Joe who took up the clarinet. With her degree in hand, she was hired as an administrative assistant in the Religious Education office at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Parrish in Dayton, Ohio.  She continued to serve as a volunteer in the same role after her “retirement.”  Along with other great volunteers and friends in the St. Albert the Great community, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, prepared, cooked, and served countless meals over the years for the monthly senior community luncheon, and regularly baked and contributed meals in support of the many people in need throughout the Dayton area through St. Vincent DePaul.

Audrey’s love for Joseph was followed closely by her love for family and friends. Holidays were a focal point for extended family reunions, along with yearly July 4th celebrations in Cape Hatteras with her children, grandchildren and brother Al. Her boundless spirit and joy for life was unmatched.  No matter how large the crowd, she was easily to be found, simply by following the sound of her cheerful, welcoming, and distinct laughter. Although our family is heartbroken at her loss, we find comfort in knowing that the same laughter is now filling the heavens above us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Audrey Helen Klotnia to the Catholic Charities USA: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/