Audrey Marian Kopachena

February 5, 1930 – April 8, 2023 

With great sadness we announce the passing of Audrey Marian (Peebles) Kopachena on April 8th, 2023.

Loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, she was predeceased by her husband George, and sister June (Ernest). She is survived by her brother Jim (Alison), and children: Chris (Jeremy), Mike (Glenda), Jeff (Beverly), Tim (Monica), and grandchildren: JP (Jordy), Chelsea (Steven), Katts (John), Brent (Stacey), Blake, and Dana.

Audrey was born on Feb. 5th, 1930, in Winnipeg to parents Ada Marian Green, and Andrew Peebles. She was the oldest of 3 children.

She loved to visit her grandparents, at Green Gables, (the Greens). She also used to love to walk to her Grandma Peebles place that was on the river, picking flowers for her grandmother along the way. From a young age, she loved flowers, birds, and going to the beach. She shared many stories of taking the Midnight Special train to Grand Beach. Audrey strived to get great marks in school and was a straight A student. She was the class valedictorian when she graduated. She graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate in St. Vital.

Audrey was determined to have a job skill. In 1950 she attended Normal School in Tuxedo where she obtained her Teacher’s Certificate. There were a number of buses she had to take to get there every day, and it was a long trip, but she was determined, and always got there. She married George in 1952, taught for a few years, and then became busy raising the children. When the children were older, she returned to teaching.

Audrey and George had a beautiful and harmonious partnership for 63 years, one that was truly admirable. In their younger years they took the children on road trips to Mexico for many adventures with their family, the Capris, with their children, and many memorable moments were had.

Audrey continued her education at the University of Winnipeg, when the children got older, obtaining her degree, and was awarded the Gold Medal in Anthropology at the 1981 spring convocation.

She was a lover of nature, and taught us to find beauty everywhere, in the tiniest shell or flower, on many walks with her family. She enjoyed summers at the cottage at Traverse Bay that her husband and sons built. She loved family time, especially at the beach.

Audrey enjoyed many winters in Mexico, with George and their friends. She loved walking- especially on the beach, looking for shells. She loved to travel, and her adventures with George took them to Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, England, New Zealand, and Australia. They also traveled extensively through Central America, preferring to go to the more remote and least touristy places.

Audrey also loved to paint, and she created many beautiful pieces, depicting flowers, landscapes, birds, animals, and her family members. She was actively attending painting classes, as well as playing bridge, and she spoke fondly of the great company she enjoyed at these activities. Audrey was truly amazing in that she continued doing all the things she loved, until the day she passed, at 93 years of age.

She also made many friends in Saturday morning Spanish classes and attending the Latin American Association of Winnipeg that she attended with George. She maintained long friendships with long time school friends Pat, Shirley, and Jean.

Audrey was always positive, she had such mental toughness- she never complained. She often remarked what a wonderful life she has had. Her outlook was truly inspirational. Audrey missed George deeply when he passed, but she stayed positive and often remarked how lucky she was to have had such a wonderful husband. They truly had a beautiful partnership.

Audrey and George were extremely supportive and encouraging to all their children, and grandchildren. They helped all of them follow their interests, and cultivate their talents. They always spoke of how proud they were of each and every one. We can see their love of learning, nature, and art, passed along in them.

In 2019 Audrey embarked on one last big trip, this time to Stockholm Sweden, with daughter Christine, to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony. Her brother Jim was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. This included a dinner with the King and Queen of Sweden that was televised. Audrey was interviewed and asked about their childhood.

Audrey was an inspiration in her physical strength and independence as she looked after her home, and grew a beautiful garden each year. She loved working in her garden, and sharing her fresh vegetables. She passed peacefully at home reading- another thing she loved to do. She continued to do all of the things she loved, right until the end, at 93 years of age- truly remarkable.

Audrey you were so loving, and so loved by everyone who knew you. You will be dearly missed, and always in our memories and hearts.

A memorial will be held on May 16th, 2023 at 11:00 am at Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler, Winnipeg.

In Lieu of flowers, Audrey wished donations to be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation.