Audrey J. Lackman

SOUTHBEND - Audrey June (Brunette) Lackman died peacefully in her home on August 18, 2022, with her family at her side. She was born February 17, 1929, in South Bend to the lateHarry and Irene Brunette.

Audrey possessed what was affectionately referred to as the “Brunette gene”. The women in her family all shared an indomitable spirit and can-do attitude that kept them young at heart and active well into their older years in spite of any physical trials.

Audrey was a proud graduate of the JohnAdams High School Class of 1947. It was there that she met the love of her life, John Lackman, whom she married on November 27, 1948. They would remain together for nearly 70 years until John’s death on July 31, 2018. They remained loyal Eagles for many years, and continued to meet with their classmates regularly well into their 80’s.

John and Audrey were lifelong residents of the South Bend/Mishawaka area, where they raised their four children in their home of 60 years. Audrey was a homemaker extraordinaire. She was a fabulous cook and baker, and the family cookbook she and John compiled was a much-treasured family heirloom. Every holiday, her phone would begin ringing with someone seeking her cooking advice. Her homemade rolls were legendary—many of the younger generation attempted them, andmost failed! Though she never pursued her dream of fashion design, she had an amazing flare for interior decorating, and was often sought out for her expertise. Her happiest place was in her garden, where she lovingly tended her beautiful flowers for all to enjoy. In her quiet time, she enjoyed Shakespeare, and was an amateur expert on the Brontë sisters. Her happiest role was that of grandmother. Whether baking cookies for hungry little mouths, playing dolls, or travelling to a baseball or football game, she was always about her grandchildren.

Audrey enjoyed a wonderful retirement with her beloved husband. They travelled to 49 of the 50 states and the Canadian Rockies, and made a favorite trip to England. After her husband’s death in 2018, she continued to live in her home until her death. When her health faltered over the last 10 months, she had a team of caretaker angels to whom her family will be forever grateful. The “Mom squad”—Dani, Valentina, Stephanie, Annette, Claudia, Rachel, Deanna, Salome and Rachael—provided loving care, and kept Mom comfortable in her final days.

Audrey is survived by her children, John Michael (Judy) Lackman of South Bend, Jefferey Lackman of Naperville, Illinois, and Jennifer (Drew) Lackman-Chuppe of South Bend. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Kristina Ann Flora and son-in-lawAnthony Flora. She is survived by grandchildren Heather (Will) LeFever, Mike (Tracey) Lackman, Daniel and Kevin Lackman, Matthew andMark Flora, and Lara andAmelia Chuppe; her great-grandchildrenMaddie Lorenz, and Alexis, Ashley, Katie, and Ryan Lackman; and great-great-grandchildrenWeston, Alias and Rynlee. She was predeceased by siblings Loraine Wolf, Donald Brunette, Lucille Burkart and Betty Krueper. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Betty Bray and Georgia Johnson, and predeceased by Melba Lackman.

Funeral services will be held at Palmer Funeral Home ~ River Park on Saturday, August 27, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour before.

Donations inAudrey’smemorymay bemade to the Lewy BodyDementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Lilburn, Georgia, 30047, or to Prevent Child Abuse America, 228 S. Wabash, 10th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes. com.

08/25/2022 EJS