[Oe List ...] FW: JOE AYRES - completed life

[Paula Philbrook]

Over my years working in the Chicago metro, my encounters with Joe were many.

I have two words that come to mind: steadfast & kind.

No matter the time of day or night, the weather or the day of the week, I grew to count on Joe for support.  He would help change your tire,  share his home, pick you up at the train, or tell you about the book he was reading or what was happening at their church or brag about his children.  We had many a great bbq and outdoor parties in his well kept beautiful  yard.

Kindness was generously expressed in his eyes and his smile.   I would travel from Chicago to fulfill my assignments and my reunions with both Audrey & Joe were always met with warmth and that kindness.

Martha, Michael, Peter, John and all your family, celebrate the gift he was to you and grieve your loss.  His star in the sky above shines bright.  

Grace & Peace

Paula Philbrook 



Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 13, 2021, at 4:10 PM, Linda and Milan Hamilton via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
> Ah yes I knew Audrey well from Academy and Summers. Did not know Joe as well but good to recall. Thanks for all the memories you all have🤠 Milan H
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Sep 13, 2021, at 12:15 PM, Lynda C via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Joe Ayres, a true Archive Angel, has completed his life at 98 years old. Many of you  mostly knew his wife Audrey, but those of us in the Chicago metro knew Joe and Audrey very well.  Their home in Naperville with its wide open spaces was the source of many Religious House picnics and celebrations where we all enjoyed their generous hospitality and a chance to experience green grass and shade trees and badmitton and other yard games, plus winter snowmen and such.   During the time of overseas deployments, the Ayres attic became a regular storage place for treasured items.   Bless them for that loving gesture of care. 
>>  
>> Audrey was a dedicated fixture in the Town Meeting days on the West Side,  an expert in writing grants for the 5th City Preschool, attended many overseas conferences and some HDP projects, and in her later years, one of the tenacious members of the Archives team, driving into Chicago each day from Naperville, well into her senior years.    Even after her death, Joe continued to help finance the work of the archives in her memory.  What a team!   When we moved to Galax, they included Galax as a stop over heading back to Naperville after a trip to their St. Louis relatives. They even helped with a sidewalk sale from our Men’s Shop during the annual Old Time Fiddlers Convention.  Their pre-teen granddaughter accompanied them.    On several trips to Chicago to work in the Archives, I was privileged to visit Joe and family in Naperville. 
>>  
>> In the spirit of a wake, I hope many of you will share memories online as well as copied to Peter whose address is below to share with the family.  We celebrate Joe’s life and indeed this family as mission from God to history, singing “For all the saints, who from their labors rest….” 
>>  
>> With deep care,
>>  
>> Lynda Cock
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> From: Peter Ayres <peter_yrs at yahoo.com>
>> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM
>> To: Lynda Cock <lynda860 at outlook.com>
>> Subject: JOE AYRES
>>  
>>   I saw an older email from when Mom passed away and realized I can maybe inform you 
>> that dad passed away Sept. 1st. 2021.   He made it to 98 on August 9th.  
>>    All and all, he did very well and died at home  with family around. There one day, gone the next after 
>> a pizza party for our brother Mike, with him.  1 day of hospice.
>>     If you know others who might want to know, please feel free to pass the news along.
>>   No service for the moment is planned. 
>>    Not sure who at ICA might want this information.
>>   I hope there is an attachment here with his Obituary for you.
>>  
>>    Sorry for the news, 
>> Peter Ayres
>>   630 505 9695
>> <Dads obituary 2021_B.odt>
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