Audrey was our next-door neighbor on Columbia Ave in Jersey City where our families lived. As youngster, I remember frequently hearing a loud splash in our yard from Tom hopping our fence to go for a swim in our 4-foot pool after working a long shift. Tom was so outgoing. Audrey was always so friendly and sweet - especially with my Mom, whom she adored.
We lost touch with Audrey and Tom when our family moved out of Jersey City in 1982. Then, out of the blue, in December of 2000, my receptionist told me I have a personal call. "Dr. Gene, do you know who this is?" I hadn't a clue of course. "It's Audrey Shanley!" Well, that conversation renewed a long-lost friendly relationship and led to veterinary relationship that lasted a couple of decades and a couple of beloved pets. When Audrey found out that Frances (my mom) was living in Ocean Grove, well, she was just beside herself. The hand written "Love You" cards to Fran began arriving religiously. Each card had writing on the inside right, then switched to the left, then turned to the back where every last word was squeezed into the precious remaining space. Pictures of Heidi on her pillow, on the bed, on the rug, or on the chair often accompanied each card. It always brightened my mother's day.
I remember early on, when Jessica was alive, Tom would come to the office (as ordered) with Jessica in tow and a LONG hand written note of what Audrey’s baby needed that day. Top of the list was always a toe nail clip which Jessica hated. Tom would be my assistant as we wrestled to get the pedicure done. If I had to explain something, Tom would throw his hands up in the air and tell me to call the boss. He would say, "I'm just the driver". So, every visit was always followed up with a phone call to Audrey with my assurances that Jessica was in good shape. “Oh thank you Dr. Gene. I love you. God bless you”. Audrey so loved her Jessica and then later, her Heidi.
After Tom passed, Audrey, when she was up to it, would occasionally bring Heidi into the office by herself. To this day I can visualize this hot rod Camaro pulling into our parking lot and then watching as Audrey unfolded herself out of the car while trying desperately to control Heidi. It was a scene to behold.
Audrey always had a kind word to say about everyone. She prayed hard for those less fortunate even though it was she who needed the prayers most to help with the severe, chronic pain from her arthritis. Audrey will be missed dearly and never forgotten. The world was a better place because of her.
With all my sympathy,
Gene Wefer
