[Oe List ...] Audret Ayres

[Clare Whitney]

When we moved to 5th City in 1973, Audrey was such a comfort to me, as I am sure she was to many who were thrust into the urban maelstrom without a lot of idea of what we were doing.  She was so relaxed about being there, so gentle with my  (expressed and unexpressed) fears.  I am deeply grateful to her and to the other Audreys in our lives in every religious house across the world.  I rejoice that I knew her, I mourn her loss.  Clare Whitney
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Richard Alton 
  To: Order Ecumenical ; earthrise earthrise ; Dialogue Wedgeblade 
  Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 9:38 AM
  Subject: [Oe List ...] Audret Ayres


  From Carol Pierce:

  Audrey M. Ayres, (nee Grossmann) age 85, died May 21, 2008 at Westbury Care Center in Lisle, Illinois.  She was born December 21, 1022 in St. Louis, Missouri.  Mrs. Ayres was a graduate of Kirksville State Teachers College (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri, where she majored in Music.  A resident of Naperville since 1952, she was active in Wesley United Methodist Church where she directed the children’s choir for several years.



  Mrs. Ayres was active in the Ecumenical Institute (EI) and its sister organization, the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) for over 33 years as an enthusiastic volunteer and consultant.  She also served as the Secretary of the Joint Board of Directors, a position she held for over a decade.  EI and the ICA are well known as non-profit organizations devoted to work in community renewal in underprivileged communities with a focus on local leadership development.  Mrs. Ayres concentrated her work in the Fifth City community, located on the West Side of Chicago.  Fifth City became a model for community renewal that was replicated in other communities and countries around the world.  Mrs. Ayres was particularly devoted to the development and support of the Fifth City Preschool which was established to facilitate child care for its working families.  She took great pride and satisfaction in her 25 years of fund raising and development for the Preschool and made many lasting friendships there.  



  Mrs. Ayres is survived by her husband, Joe G. Ayres, a daughter Martha Garcia, three sons – Michael, Peter (Lioness) and John Ayres, two brothers -            Edward (Norene) and Raymond (Joan) Grossmann of the St. Louis area, and three grandchildren – Jeremiah (Carrie), Kerry, and Nicholas Ayres.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Mary Grossmann.



  A memorial service will be held at a later date – to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Fifth City Preschool, 3411 West 5th Avenue, Chicago, IL  60624; the Institute of Cultural Affairs, 4750 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL  60640, or Wesley United Methodist Church, Naperville, IL  60540.






  Richard H.T. Alton International Consultants and Associates 'building global bridges' 166 N. Humphrey Ave, Apt, 1N Oak Park, IL 60302 T:1.773.344.7172 richard.alton at gmail.com Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back Babe Ruth


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