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@yahoo.com> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM To: Lynda Cock <lynda860@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
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@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@yahoo.com> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM To: Lynda Cock <lynda860@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> _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net
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@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@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@yahoo.com> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM To: Lynda Cock <lynda860@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> _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net
OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net
Joe and Audrey were great spirit giants. t. I remember the memories of doing the Annual Appeal over the years dedicated to ICA A.M. Noel On Mon, Sep 13, 2021 at 3:15 PM Lynda C via OE <oe@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@yahoo.com> *Date: *Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM *To: *Lynda Cock <lynda860@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 _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net
Ditto on Your sharing, Lynda. Joe and Audrey were really great at pointing to the great and unique gifts of individuals, too. So many times, I return, in my reflections, to the safety and sense of belonging to something special that outings at their home availed to us all. Exemplars of true guardianship. Udi White On Mon, Sep 13, 2021, 3:15 PM Lynda C <lynda860@outlook.com> 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@yahoo.com> *Date: *Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM *To: *Lynda Cock <lynda860@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
YES! Joe and Audrey were special people!. When I stepped down from the truck bringing the suitcases from Camp New Jerusalem, Bob and Audrey met me and immediately drove me to Audrey's home. There I slept for 24 hours a day for 2 weeks, What a gift!. Thank you! Love, always! Ann Jaecks On Tue, Sep 14, 2021 at 8:25 AM Judi White via OE <oe@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
Ditto on Your sharing, Lynda. Joe and Audrey were really great at pointing to the great and unique gifts of individuals, too. So many times, I return, in my reflections, to the safety and sense of belonging to something special that outings at their home availed to us all. Exemplars of true guardianship. Udi White
On Mon, Sep 13, 2021, 3:15 PM Lynda C <lynda860@outlook.com> 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@yahoo.com> *Date: *Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM *To: *Lynda Cock <lynda860@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
_______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net
There are some good pictures of Joe (and Audrey) in the archive’s google photos. Jim Wiegel “We are all time travelers journeying into the future. But let us make that future a place we want to visit. “ Stephen Hawking
On Sep 13, 2021, at 12:15 PM, Lynda C via OE <oe@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@yahoo.com> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM To: Lynda Cock <lynda860@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> _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net
I too enjoyed the relaxation of badminton and volleyball at the Ayers house. I traveled for several months with Audry on Town Meeting Iowa and every great story brings laughter to my heart and mind. Perhaps all of our guardians were angels we were not yet ready to recognize in their fullness. We have been so blessed. Margaret On 2021-09-13 14:15, Lynda C via OE 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@yahoo.com> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM To: Lynda Cock <lynda860@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 _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net
Colleagues on this ever-dwindling listserve, While this is a tribute to Joe, (I can see him in my minds eye) my experience goes back to Audrey. In the fall of ’68 as an intern, I taught a week-night 8 (?) session RSI with Audrey in Naperville. For 8 weeks, each Tuesday, I drove from the West Side to Naperville. She was a woman of formidable integrity. It was a felicitous experience teaching with her as 1st teacher. A woman with grace - ever saintly. Gratefully, Ken
On Sep 14, 2021, at 7:07 PM, Margaret Helen Aiseayew via OE <oe@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
I too enjoyed the relaxation of badminton and volleyball at the Ayers house. I traveled for several months with Audrey on Town Meeting Iowa and every great story brings laughter to my heart and mind. Perhaps all of our guardians were angels we were not yet ready to recognize in their fullness. We have been so blessed. Margaret
On 2021-09-13 14:15, Lynda C via OE 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@yahoo.com <mailto:peter_yrs@yahoo.com>> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM To: Lynda Cock <lynda860@outlook.com <mailto:lynda860@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
_______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net <mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net> http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net <http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net>_______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net <mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net> http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net <http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net>
Dear Lynda, Thank you for sharing some stories of Joe and Audrey’s life journey. My memories of them both are rich with times of support to each other and to us as Order friends. I remember some lively Guardian celebrations where they were present, early on. Audrey was a strong and often quiet worker, and Joe was loyal and encouraging to me. Their lives are examples of how to live a fulfilled life with grace and solidarity. Grace and peace to you with love, Isobel Bishop. Isobel and Jim Bishop isobeljimbish@optusnet.com.au
On 14 Sep 2021, at 5:15 am, Lynda C via OE <oe@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@yahoo.com <mailto:peter_yrs@yahoo.com>> Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:25 AM To: Lynda Cock <lynda860@outlook.com <mailto:lynda860@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>_______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE@lists.wedgeblade.net <mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net> http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net <http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net>
participants (10)
-
A.M. Noel -
aiseayew＠netins.net -
Ann Jaecks -
Isobel and Jim Bishop -
James Wiegel -
Judi White -
Ken Fisher -
Linda and Milan Hamilton -
Lynda C -
Paula Philbrook