We are heartbroken with the loss of our Mom/Nona Audrey Adduono (nee Gustafson) who passed away after a brief illness on February 2, 2024.
Mom was born in St. James Manitoba on November 8, 1935. She moved with her family at a young age to Port Arthur. She attended Hillcrest High School. Mom worked at Eaton’s and later at Safeway’s where she worked for over 30 years.
Mom loved her sports, and while attending a junior hockey game she met the love of her life Leonard (Bullet) Adduono who later became her husband of 53 years. Mom was also active in sports, beginning with figure skating, playing in a women’s Fastball League and in the winter she played in the Woman’s Broomball league for years. Later in life she had a passion for running and enjoyed competing in The Women’s Royal LePage Run and could also be seen on the roads in Shebandowan. Mom always thought her greatest achievement was becoming a Mother and later a Nona. When my sister Jo-Anne and I were growing up, Mom continued her team sports and we became her number one fans.
Mom took great pride in her flower gardens and enjoyed the stages of her Monarch Butterflies. She liked spending time knitting and working on crafts. She was proud of her Norwegian Heritage and made a few Norwegian wedding cakes in her day. Mom was obsessed with her cleaning and you didn’t dare move anything out of place. L.O.L.
But her happy place was always at Shebandowan Lake where they camped for over 30 years. She loved the fishing, especially proud of her mounted trophy Bass. There were many family memories made boating, fishing, hunting, ski-dooing, water sports and the story telling around her bonfire.
Mom was fond of travelling. This consisted of several trips to Norway, visiting her sister/best friend Auntie Vi and family in St. Catherines or Uncle Tom and Auntie Barb and family in Winnipeg. My parents then became Snow Birds and spent winters in Florida. Later she was taken to an Eagles concert by Jo-Anne and Louis as well as several NHL games. On one occasion she met Sidney Crosby in the hotel lobby and not only had her picture taken with him but also Crosby held game tickets for them. Mom did many Fan Club Caribbean Cruises with her brother Norman and nephew Eric, and wished she could do one more.
She was also known as the not so quiet fan at my sporting events and this tradition had carried on with her grandchildren and the sports they were involved in. Mom loved animals and spent many a time out at Louis and Jo-Anne’s hobby farm always ending up around a bonfire. Her four legged grandchildren always looked forward to Nona’s treats.
After losing my father, my mom found herself having to become independent. Starting with driving, living on her own and becoming the Matriarch of the family. She took this role very seriously and we were all proud of her.
Although we are feeling a huge emptiness we know that she is now with my Dad and Sister who she has missed dearly. Mom will never be forgotten and will live in our hearts and memories forever!
Audrey is survived by her son Leonard Adduono and daughter-in-law Chrissie, son-in-law Louis Chikoski, grandchildren Tanner, Hunter and Lexi Adduono, brother Norman Gustafson (Corrine), good friends Rick Sanderson, Lucia Pavlik, and Sylvia Corbett, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives survive.
Predeceased by her parents Peter and Mary Gustafson, husband Leonard Adduono Sr., daughter Jo-Anne Chikoski, sister Viola Horne, brothers Tom (Barb), Gerald (Marya), and George (Alm) Gustafson.
Special Thanks to Michael, Suzanne, Jamie, Jenna, Jesse, Eric and families for always including my Mom at family get togethers.
Funeral Services were be held on Tuesday February 13, 2024 at St. Peter’s Church 615 Connolly St. In Lieu of flowers, Donations to the Underground Gym & Youth Centre would greatly be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel.
Online condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
