ALBANY – Rachel Ann Audi, 48, of Colonie died peacefully on Friday evening, February 28, 2014, with the people who loved her holding her. Diagnosed just 17 days prior, she fought a heroic battle with breast cancer. A graduate of Shaker High School, Hudson Valley Community College and SUNY Brockport, Rachel spent her life in service to others bringing her strong intellect and unwavering compassion to her life’s calling as a Registered Physicians Assistant. She worked at several orthopedic practices and hospitals during her long career, most recently at OrthoNY. A true sports fan, Rachel was the unofficial photographer for all of her daughter Gabby’s athletic events and an unwavering Giants and Vikings fan.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Gabrielle Margaret Audi, and Gabby’s dad, William Fennicks. She is also survived by her devoted aunt, Joyce Audi (Mike); her favorite cousins, Tracey Daniels Rivera Cooper (Dan), Lucas Rivera, and Mary Bjork ( Steve); and her dear lifelong friends, Beverly Venable and Mary Irving, who were more like sisters to her. Her cousin, Tia Daniels, predeceased her.
Rachel wanted to thank the staff and nurses at St Peter’s Hospice and 5 McAuley, especially Mary Francis and Stephanie. The protection, care, compassion and guidance provided by Julie and Liz during her final days carried her through to a peaceful journey from this life.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Wednesday morning at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-8 pm. Interment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Should you wish to honor Rachel’s memory, contributions would be appreciated for her daughter’s education to: Rachel Audi Memorial Fund, c/o SEFCU, 700 Patroon Creek Blvd., Albany, NY 12206. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
jackie roberts
March 2, 2014 at 12:32 pmdear joyce and family,
so sorry to read about your loss.i remember so well,when you lost your dear tia. my prayers go with u at this sad time.
bonnie kullman
March 2, 2014 at 7:23 pmsso very sorry for your lost of a wonderful person. I’ve worked with Rachel since she came to Northeast Orthopedics ( now OrthoNY) and she was always so friendly and an asset to us all. Gabby is so lucky to have her as a mother. Prayers and thoughts with all of you.
Emily & David Bodie
March 3, 2014 at 3:02 pmThe School of Rock staff send our condolences to Gabby and her family. Rachel was a wonderful part of our School of Rock community, a beautifully devoted mom, and she will be greatly missed.
Henry Cooper
March 4, 2014 at 12:07 pmRachel was a GREAT LADY with character and strong beliefs.She also epitomized mom being a GREAT MOM to Gabby her lovely daughter.'”REST MY LOVE GOD WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE.”
Karen Kelefant
March 4, 2014 at 1:15 pmGabrielle and family,
I am so sorry about the loss of your dear mother, Rachel. I worked with her at the OrthoNY surgical center (EWASC). She was a kind, sweet and hard working person. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Mary Ellen Sherwin
March 4, 2014 at 2:54 pmRichard and Carole I am so sorry to her about Rachels passing My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family
Kelly Viscosi
March 4, 2014 at 9:52 pmGabrielle and family, so terribly sorry for your loss
Gabby, I met your mom in PA school. She was a wonderful, good hearted and fun person. Remember your mom will always be with you in your heart.
MP
March 7, 2014 at 6:33 amDeeply sorry for your loss. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. Losing a love one is a loss beyond compare, but we can try to look forward to much better times when ‘no resident will say I am sick’ but death will be done away with (Isaiah 33:24, 25:8).
Andrea Celli Raiti
March 7, 2014 at 2:12 pmDear Gabby,
Ella and Mia and I are so very sad for you right now. Your Mom was a wonderful smiling light in your life and she was so much fun to have at your games and school events. She was always there with her camera, watching your every great play and she will always be with you to watch you and protect you as you grow older. Although you are so young, you have already learned so many wonderful things from her and become like her in so many ways. Please know that we are all thinking of you and will stand by you as your friends forever.
With our love and prayers,
Ella and Mia Raiti’s Mom 🙂
Johanna Dooley
March 11, 2014 at 4:00 amMy thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May God Bless during this painful time.
Johanna Dooley