Audrey Poole

MADISON- Audrey Eleanor Poole, age 80, of Madison, died on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, at home. Audrey was the second child and oldest daughter of Orlo M. and Leona E. (Tenner) Poole and was born on July 25, 1931, in Oshkosh. She attended Lowell Grade School in Madison and graduated from East High School in 1949. She began employment with the State of Wisconsin Department of Health. She served as administrative secretary at the League of Wisconsin Municipalities for the remainder of her professional career and was commended for her lengthy service by several Governors and the State Legislature. After retirement, Audrey devoted twenty years to volunteer service as office manager with Theater Bus and was a financial supporter and an active recruiter of participants. The role of care giver was placed on Audrey as the oldest daughter. When her brother Howard broke his neck and was paralyzed, Audrey and her father provided his physical care when he was home. She also tended to her mother during struggles with cancer, and helped raise her sister Gail (as her second mother) after their mother’s death. She provided a loving home for her father after his retirement. Her devotion to family reflected God’s love. Audrey and her sister June were good dancers and enjoyed weekend attendance at various area dance halls. Audrey spent many years camping with their pop-up camper and snowmobiling in Edgerton and Minocqua with her long-time companion, Curtis Martin, and sister Gail and her husband, Don. They also joined friends for dinner and good times. She liked to read and knit. Audrey quietly supported her friends, church friends, and family members emotionally, physically and financially through her caring and generosity. She reveled in the activities of her family and loved them dearly. She greatly enjoyed planning outings and gatherings with her friends. Her dream was to travel to Alaska, and she did that with her friend, Georgia touring Alaska and returning by train across Canada. Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ was Audrey’s beloved church home throughout her life. There she was confirmed, taught Sunday School, supported the activities and members, and attended every Sunday for decades. She also supported United Church Camps, Inc. where many family members attended church camps at Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center. Audrey is survived by her youngest sister, Gail (Donald) Holmes of Madison; her special nephew and godson, Gary (Kristy) Holmes of Madison and their daughters, Melinda and Emily; nephew, David Poole of California; nieces, Barbara Drogsvold of Fort Wayne, Indiana and daughter, Angela (Adam) Boylan; Linda (Gary) Colby of Janesville and children, Craig (Kim) Colby, Keith (friend, Sarah) Colby and Carrie (friend, Adam) Colby; and Susan (Jose) Lopez of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and children, Justine, Jesse and Aric. She is also survived by Don’s sons, Scott (Mary) and Robert Holmes and their children; and a goddaughter, Linda Walter of Madison. Audrey is further survived by cousins and other extended family members, many friends and her cat, Abby. She was preceded in death by her parents; older brother, Howard Poole; sister, June Bullian, who died Jan. 22, 2011; brother-in-law, William Bullian; and companion Curtis Martin. Funeral services will be held at PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2401 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, with the Rev. Patricia Hough officiating. Internment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Cemetery: Internment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Funeral services will be held at PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2401 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, with the Rev. Patricia Hough officiating.