Audrey Marie Badgero

Audrey Marie Badgero, nee Berry, passed into eternity to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by family, June 22, 2020. Born in Macomb County Mary 7, 1942 to Malo Lorne and Marie Helen Berry, Audrey was the seventh of 13 children. 

The family moved up north and settled on a farm south of Tower. Audrey attended the “Old Tower School” before moving to the “New Tower School” where she graduated the eighth grade.  She later graduated from Onaway High School in 1960 and that summer was Miss Onaway.

Audrey married Gary Badgero June 30, 1963 in Ann Arbor at the United Methodist Church with Napoleon and Carlene (Badgero) Chagnon as witnesses. Audrey and Gary were blessed with four children, Kathleen Marie Kubacki of Hudsonville, Carla Mae (Eric) Coveyou of Beloit, Wisconsin, Laura Faye Barrett of Central Lake and Matthew Carl (Jenny) Badgero of Onaway; 11 grandchildren, Kylee Kubacki, Konnor Kubacki, Christopher Coveyou, Darius Coveyou, Landon Barrett, Madison Barrett, Garrison Barrett, Abbie (Kurtis) Rogers, Amber Badgero, Kaitlyn Badgero, and Dawson Badgero; two great-grandchildren, Orion Coveyou and Evelyn Rogers.  Audrey is survived by her children and their families as well as her eight siblings, their spouses, and her in-laws, Marilyn Vizina, Neil (Janet) Berry, Lorne Berry, Wayne (Margi) Berry, Lee (Jan) Berry, Nancy (Tom) Madison, Clyde (Colleen) Berry and Randy Berry; sister-in-law, Laurie Berry; in-laws, Carlene Chagnon, Barbara Curtis, Sandra (Bob) Brenner, Dawn (Dennis) Willey, Mark (Robyn) Badgero and David (Carol) Badgero; many nieces and nephews; as well as special friends, Connie Berden and Brenda Miller; and her precious and loving dog, Sadie Rose.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents and Gary’s parents; siblings, Dale Berry, Allan Berry, Elaine Smith and Kent Berry; sister-in-law, Margaret Badgero; and brother-in-law, Napoleon Chagnon.

A devoted wife and mother, Audrey loved her family and friends and loved to see them. It was the highlight of her days.  If any of her family needed her, she was there for them.  She was known to her grandchildren as Meme or Mema and loved her babies to the moon and back.  

After she learned to drive, she would meet the girls for coffee and the chance to have her favorite cinnamon roll! She also had a fondness for the Dairy Queen and was known to stop in for a DQ treat and have it gone before she made it home (her little secret!) She loved thrift stores and garage sales and would take the grandkids whenever she could.  She enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and visits to get her hair done, but her priority in life was caring for her family and home. After her kids were all in school she worked as a housekeeper at the UAW for 20 years before retiring.

Audrey’s main focus in life was following her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; her life was witness to that. If she came by and no one was home, she would always leave a tract and a note “Audrey/Mema was here. Call me back.” She wanted all of her family to know about Jesus and his saving grace and the love he showed us at Calvary.

Audrey was a very loving, feisty, mischievous and generous lady.  Never afraid to go exploring or on an adventure, whether large or small, she was game! She was active in her community and genuinely loved people.  She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation was held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Sunday, June 28, 2020 and a funeral service followed Monday at North Country Baptist Church. The Rev. James Brabson officiated.  Audrey’s final resting place is at Hillcrest Cemetery in Onaway. 

Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Audrey to North Country Baptist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.