Audrey M. Coward

Audrey M. Coward was born on April 7, 1927 in Sheffield, England and went to Heaven on January 15, 2017 at home with her family by her side.

Audrey was an amazing and inspirational woman. She was very proud and resilient and would never let tough times be known. Audrey was a young girl when the Germans were bombing England. She would tell tales of having to run home as fast as she could when the sirens went off and go into the bomb shelter in her back yard. Neighbors would share tea and cookies while they waited until it was safe to come out. Her own house was once hit by bullets from a German plane.

Audrey’s parents knew she had a restless soul as a young girl. Her older cousin Queenie would come to visit and Audrey always wanted to go with her to new and exciting places. That desire led her to travel and explore new places for the rest of her life.

In 1953, Audrey received her degree in Nursing. She mentioned that the times she had at Lancaster Hospital in England were some of her fondest memories, making friendships there that lasted over 60 years.

In 1954, Audrey met Michael Coward in Morcombe, England at the “Wintergarden”. He was in the H.M.R. Navy and was home on leave. They married later that year and together had an adventurous life living on four continents and settling in the U.S. in 1966. They enjoyed camping for many years and seeing a lot of the United States until Mike passed away in the year 2000.
Audrey always had a cheerful smile and a kind word for everyone. She had a wonderful group of friends in the “British Connection”. These ladies, all originally from the United Kingdom, have been friends for over 30 years. They have shared good times and helped each other through times of sorrow. Special thanks to Jo, Pat, and Nora for the times you shared with Audrey, as she treasured them.

Audrey was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother known for her endless spirit, sharp wit, and wisdom, which she shared often.

Audrey will be deeply missed by her son, Tony Coward and significant other, Olga Shesterneva; grandson, Nathan Coward and Nathan’s mother, Tori L. Coward; daughter, Debbie Bates and husband, Frank Bates; granddaughters, Katherine and Jessica Bates; and many nieces and nephews in England, as well as many friends.

Memorial Service: Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine, Texas.

Special thanks to the wonderful nurses at Baylor Grapevine and Texas Oncology who took such great care of Audrey and to Dr. Jordan who is truly and Angel on Earth.