Audrey J. LaChance

Audrey J. LaChance, age 89, of Escanaba, passed away Thursday morning, February 2, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.  She was born February 4, 1933 in Escanaba, the daughter of Iver and Bertha (Wilson) Buckland.  Audrey was raised in Cornell and attended school in Escanaba where she was a 1951 graduate of Escanaba High School. The former Audrey Buckland married Raymond Gardner in 1951 and he preceded her in death in 1965. In 1968, she married Paul E. LaChance Sr., and he preceded her in death in 2020.  Audrey began her working career at the Woolworth store in downtown Escanaba in the stock room and retired from the Delta Plaza Mall location as the head bookkeeper in 1996. Audrey loved to crochet and sold many of her beautiful afghans during the 80s and 90s at the Swedish Pantry in Escanaba. She also shot pool, played dart ball, and bowled, and was an avid golfer and member of the Highland Golf Club for many years.  Upon retiring, Audrey wintered in Florida and enjoyed going to flea markets, visiting friends, going on walks, and golfing with her companion, Robert Ward. Audrey enjoyed all of her grandchildren very much and loved being an active part of all of their lives. Hosting family meals was time she cherished with family ensuring everyone had plenty of food to take home.

Audrey is survived by her companion, Robert Ward of Escanaba; children, Bonnie (Steve) Dennocenzo of Hardwood, MI., Greg Gardner (Diane Jensen) of Escanaba, and Paul (Jennifer) LaChance of Escanaba; six grandchildren, Stephanie Dennocenzo, Cory (Jodi) Gardner, Melissa (Ryon) Thornton, Ashley Gardner, Hunter Gasman, Bon LaChance; five great-grandchildren, Ava, Eli, Abby, Carson, and Ada; sister, Laverne McGery of Escanaba; brothers, Charles (Donna) Buckland of Escanaba, David Buckland of Escanaba, John (Barb) Buckland of Gladstone; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Audrey was preceded in death by siblings, Jim (Rosie) Buckland, Carol (Don) Marcum, and Betty (David) Pettersen; sister in-in-law, Joan Buckland; daughter-in-law Laurie (Nolde) Gardner; and grandson Jason Dennocenzo.

Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba with a celebration of life to follow this summer. The family would like to extend a special thank you to OSF Hospice, especially Carrie, for their compassion and care given to Audrey.

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