Audrey Berlacher

At the age of 93, Audrey Elizabeth Berlacher passed away on October 25, 2023 at Munson Medical Center Hospice in Traverse City, Michigan.

Born Audrey Elizabeth Boicey on May 23, 1930 in Toledo, Ohio to James and Margaret Boicey, she was raised in Toledo with her two brothers and graduated from St. Ursula Academy.

Marrying the love of her life, Franz J. Berlacher in 1951, Audrey was Franz's true support as he pursued a career in medicine; starting with medical school in Chicago, an internship in Detroit, followed by an army residency in Hawaii, and back to Detroit to become a cardiologist only to return home to Toledo. Raising seven children who were surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends, a favorite family summer vacation was a visit to Renfrew, Ontario which was the birthplace of both her parents.

Always busy at home, Audrey loved to garden, celebrate any holiday, and was an excellent cook, frequently preparing recipes from her mother. She was active in the Mercy Hospital Guild, and the Lucas County Academy of Medicine Auxiliary that provided a gourmet group where she was an adventurous chef and exquisite hostess.

In her 30’s, Audrey survived breast cancer. Embracing life with a newfound enthusiasm that ultimately shaped the elegant, funny, sassy, strong woman that was cherished by everyone she encountered. In her early 70's cancer returned, and yet again she survived with her usual grace and vigor.

In 1981 Franz and Audrey purchased a home in Glen Arbor, Michigan. That home became the family beacon, galvanizing the family around vacations and holidays. There were tennis, basketball and soccer games, sand castle building, dips in Lake Michigan and Glen Lake, snow and water skiing, cook-offs, group dancing, and even the Berlacher Olympics.

Franz and Audrey welcomed each one of their 19 grandchildren with joy and gifts. She loved to sing lullabies, chat or whistle with each child in her arms, only to be continued with 25 great grandchildren. Audrey loved to be outside and would answer the birds with whistles and chirps. She barked with any dog that was near while sneaking table food to them.

Audrey cherished the friendships of Mary Chandler, Judy Brown, Jackie Navarre and Roz Pizza as well as her caregivers Hopie Holness and Jeanne Skarupinski.

She was preceded in death by her husband Franz, her parents, her brother Jim Boicey. Surviving are her children: Paul (Chris), Debbie Briggs (Jack), Bob (Julie), Laura Ward (Rodney), Mark (Phyllis), Greg (Cindy), and Gretchen Houghton (David). She was blessed to have 19 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Tom Boicey (Patti).

Special thanks to the caring staff at Munson Hospice and Jeanne Skarupinski. Audrey's last days were peaceful and loving. Services are private.

Donations can be made Munson Healthcare Hospice and Palliative Care: munsonhealthcare.org