Audrey Kay Strang

Audrey Kay  Strang, (Stone) of Madison, WI passed on to join her beloved husband Bill in heaven on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.   She lived a full 87 years and didn’t let her struggles with dementia interfere with her love of family and pets.  She spent her last days at Agrace Hospice, surrounded by love and family.

Audrey was born on April 4, 1936 in Janesville, WI to parents James  and Josephine Stone (nee, Bear).  She graduated from Janesville High school in 1954, attended Beloit College and then worked for the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture.  It was at the University where she met her future husband, Bill Strang. He proposed at Pebble Beach in Door County.  They were married on September 4, 1965.  From that point forward, they shared 49 adventurous years together, playing golf, watching Badger Basketball, traveling and raising a family.  They traveled to Peru, Europe, China, the Caribbean, Hilton Head, Hawaii, and Canada.  They took many wonderful family vacations to Northern Wisconsin, Florida, Montana and Canada before Bill’s passing in 2014.

Audrey was very talented at cross stich and calligraphy.  She volunteered for many years with Attic Angels and was active in the University League.  She made friends everywhere she went with her beautiful smile, charm and love of life.

In her later years, Audrey was supported by the Senior Helpers organization and can be seen in one of their commercials!  She was dear to many of her long-term caregivers who enriched her life in so many ways.  Audrey lived at Middleton Glen and assisted living before 2020, when she moved in with her daughter Julie in Mt. Horeb.  They were able to take mother-daughter trips to Galena and Door County.  Audrey adored all of the household pets but was especially attached to the dogs (or “wiggle butts” as she called them) one of which  slept with her every night.  And in her last weeks she had 2 dogs in bed with her and they held vigil with her through the end of her life.  There is enormous gratitude for the memories made during these last few years, and over a lifetime.  Audrey was a very special lady indeed.

Audrey is survived by her children, son Tim, his wife Jennnifer Strang of Northbrook, IL, and  grandchildren Lauren and Ryan, daughter Julie Strang and grandson Nicolas Henige.  She was additionally blessed with her step-grandchildren Marlee Henige (husband Darius Scholz), and Alex Henige.  

She took great pride in all of her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and beloved sisters, Jere (Lee) Moore and Joyce (Jim) Playter.  

We are so grateful to Agrace Hospice for providing such loving support to ease her transition. We could not have managed her needs without  Senior Helpers.  The agency team and caregivers became family over the years and we are so grateful for their love and support.   Donations can be made to a charity of your choice in her name.  (suggestions: Agrace Hospice, the ASPCA)

Services will be held on Sunday August 6, 2023 at Cress funeral home, 6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705.  Visitation will be from 11-12:20, with a brief service and snacks afterwards.  Casual attire please.