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In memory of

Audrey Katherine Wearn

Toronto, ON, Canada

June 17, 1966 - May 3, 2021

Jun 17, 1966 - May 3, 2021

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Audrey Wearn was given the gift of life on June 17, 1966 and she passed on May 3, 2021, due to lung cancer.

Say Audrey’s name to anyone who knew her, and immediately a delighted look would appear, as they would be reminded of her radiant and larger than life personality, her smarts, wit and charm and who could forget that amazing laugh and ear to ear smile. Surely if you annoyed her, and let’s not forget, it happened, you’d know right away as there would be colourful language and you’d back off quick! She was small yet mighty— nobody messes with Audrey. Her strength, resilience and energy for life is what makes her leaving this world so hard for so many, near and far.

She was the daughter of late Margarette Pike of Woodstock. She is survived by her loving father, Arnold Wearn and her step mother Heather Hill of Woodstock, her beloved husband Steve Deveau, her beautiful son Aidan Wearn Flynn and her stepchildren William, Solène and Kathryn, her dear and loving sister Deb Wearn, Jason Brown, Maggie and Max Brown of St John's NL, her (step) grand children Emma, Violet and Maeve, the father of her son Aidan, Andrew Flynn and many much-loved in-laws, and friends. And who could forget Jinx and Guinness her beloved cats.

She was born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario and aside from her time in France where she studied, she was a lifelong Toronto, east-end resident.

France holds a special place in Audrey’s heart, where her adoration for french culture, and the language were born. In 1989, in pursuit of a diploma of French Studies, she moved to Normandy and quickly fell in love with Paris, only a 2.5 hour train ride away. She was able to share this passion for travel and Paris with Aidan and Steve, who were also the two biggest loves of her life.

Aidan was her everything. From hockey mom to confidant, she endlessly put him first. She poured the best of herself into him, and they share so many undeniable qualities—determination, courage, intellect, thoughtfulness and a wicked sense of humour.

She would talk to just about anyone—and much to Aidan’s embarrassment— she talked to strangers on the street while out for walks together. Never missing an opportunity to make a lasting impression on everyone she met. And Audrey did not discriminate— it could be an encounter in an elevator, a friendly face in a line-up, or even at the local wine bar she frequented. Which is where she was introduced by the owner to the man of her dreams.

She met her soul mate, Steve Deveau at 50 on a Sunday afternoon in Montreal. The relationship blossomed into a fairytale romance that very few experience in a lifetime. They married on Saturday, January 30, 2021.

Proud of her high educational achievements, she held a Master of Arts and a Master of Journalism. Audrey’s career spanned many passions, particularly her love for the english and french languages. As a Bilingual Editor in Educational publishing, she was able to marry her love for people and linguistics. Audrey met her mentor, Jan Elliott in her publishing days, and was grateful for her sound advice, and the special connection they held for one another over the years.

Audrey then went on to lead a very successful career at Apple where she worked in Education, and drove meaningful projects in Indigenous Education, literacy, coding and creativity. She cared deeply about her work and the opportunities it gave her to experience new cultures and to grow intellectually. She was thankful that her jobs allowed her to travel. In publishing, she was able to visit every province and territory in the country, and Apple allowed her international adventures.

More recently Audrey had the honour of working with Future Design School, where she was presented with a legacy award the Audrey Wearn Language Prize, created under the mission to encourage Canadian youth to engage in creative problem solving, encouraging and strengthening multilingualism among Canadians.

Audrey enjoyed her work, and created lasting relationships with the people she worked with. Even through her diagnosis she was compelled to give back, and became a bilingual volunteer crisis text responder. She was helping kids and adults cope during the pandemic. Her ability to connect with people, and help them through these challenging times, despite her own fight with cancer showed us all the true meaning of the human spirit.

Audrey adored her friends and family…until she didn’t! Forever coordinating plans for get togethers, hosting, and ensuring her family unit and friend circle, which grew significantly over time, was in tact. A deep bond with her sister Deb, father and mother, Audrey made sure she remembered her roots— who she was, where she came from, and the people and experiences that shaped her into the woman she had become. A confident, worldly, one of a kind role model to so many.

She was a loving, caring, thoughtful and generous friend. She was the one who cheered you up every time, or listened patiently. The loss is felt across a community of family, friends, educators, publishers, and an Apple family so large, that every continent grieves her passing.

We will always remember her empathic, caring, funny and spunky personality— she was a positive force, and her soul and spirit will be cherished and loved forever. In lieu of flowers, Audrey would want those interested to donate to Canadian Cancer Society or to Kids Helpline.

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