Audrey M Lavery

Audrey Marcella Lavery, 89, of High Point, passed away Friday, July 10, 2026, at Pennybyrn Retirement Community.

Born April 5, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY; Audrey was the daughter of the late Harold Bisson and the late Marcella Leyendecker.

Audrey grew up in Queens, New York and graduated Hunter College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. That May Audrey began her first job as a social worker for the State of New York in the Empire State Building. In July of 1958, Audrey married Ronald C. Lavery; they had known each other since they were twelve years old. One year later they celebrated the birth of their first of five children. Later, she continued her career in the public schools on Long Island as a case aide for special needs students, and was a pioneer in computer use in the classroom.

Audrey and Ron loved playing cards, especially Bridge; they were true competitors who always played by the rules. They were very adventurous in taking their five children on camping trips and even survived a hurricane while camping on the St. Lawrence River. They enjoyed travelling and loved to play golf wherever they went. At any party you could find Ron and Audrey getting everyone up and dancing. In addition to their hobbies they were very active in their local church.

Upon retirement in 1996, Audrey and Ron moved from Long Island, NY, to build their custom dream home in the mountain community of Connestee Falls in Brevard, NC. Wherever she was she remained a New Yorker in heart and soul.

In North Carolina she and Ron enjoyed volunteering for many organizations. In her later years, Audrey wrote her own memoirs into a book titled “Memories Matter” that recalls a life full of love, compassion, adventure and goodness; it is cherished by her family.

Upon the passing of her beloved Ron in 2016 Audrey sought a new community and found a new home in Pennybyrn. There she became heavily involved in many of the community activities. She found fellowship while enjoying Bridge, Mahjong, and many other games. She enjoyed growing her talents with the Pennybyrn Singers, and Chorale, and as an actor with the Pennybyrn Players. She also enjoyed line dancing, crafting, volunteering, and being a reader at Maryfield Chapel. She had lots of fun displaying her seasonal nutcrackers and goose outside of her apartment. Pennybyrn has been a perfect fit for her spiritually and socially.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald C. Lavery, Sr.; son, Ronald Lavery, Jr., and her brother, Harold Bisson, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory, her sons, Randy Lavery and wife Donna of St. Augustine, FL, Rick Lavery of Anderson, SC, and Rory Lavery and wife Elizabeth of Austin, TX; daughter, Andrea Maas and husband Brian of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Alex (Katie), Caroline, Jack, Michael (Emily), Rick Jr., Caitlyn, John, Kieran (Jennifer), Katie (Dustin), Allison, Carly and Daniel; great grandchildren, Rory, Wilson, Grace and Claire; and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be 12:00PM Thursday, July 30, 2026, in the Maryfield Chapel of Pennybyrn; 109 Penny Rd., High Point, NC; with Father Patrick Hoare, officiating.

Audrey’s family invites you to wear her favorite color, purple, to the service to celebrate her colorful life.

Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Ilderton Hall at Pennybyrn.

Inurnment will be in the columbarium of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the Pennybyrn Employee Appreciation Fund.