Audrey Chen

Milwaukee, WI/Naples, FL/Madison, WI -- Audrey M. Chen passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Madison, WI on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. Born on November 9, 1927, the daughter of Philip and Eleanor (Hoyer) Siehr, she grew up in Mishicot, Wisconsin. Audrey met Keith A. Chen while attending Marquette University and they were married on July 23, 1949. Together they raised nine children. Audrey created a very special home for her family. She tirelessly nurtured, cooked, cleaned, sewed, and shuttled her children around -- for which we are forever grateful. As empty nesters, she and Keith retired to Naples, Florida. In recent years, Audrey settled in Madison to be closer to her children and grandchildren. With each move she gained many friendships, each dear to her. Through the years Audrey took the time to recognize her children and grandchildren's individuality, encouraging and supporting each in the pursuit of their unique endeavors. Audrey's generosity, graciousness, kindness, organization and feistiness will be missed by all, but her quilted hotpads, quilts, and perfect needlepoint work will live on. She was a devoted mother to Nancy (Matt) Gibson, K. Michael (Elaine Sawlsville), Susan, Terry, Jane, Peter (Nancy), Mary (Kevin) Fisher, Carol (Tim Hacker) and Heidi (Tom Knickelbine); caring grandmother to 22 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; loving sister to Phillip (Butch) Siehr and sister-in-law to Veronica (Ronnie) Siehr. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband Keith of 56 years; her parents, brother William Siehr and sister-in-law Judy Siehr. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, WI. A Memorial Mass is planned for Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, WI with a one hour visitation at the church prior to the service and a luncheon at tbd immediately following the service. Interment will be in Naples, Florida. Memorials may be sent to Covenant House, 461 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10001-1810 or Jamaica Outreach Program, c/o St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. North, Naples, Florida 34105.