Audrey Ann Earnest Boxwell, Sr, lifelong resident of Milford, entered Heaven on August 16, 2018, where she joined her husband of 41 years, Capt. Robert Joseph Boxwell, Sr and her parents, Albert Hilding Bernhard Earnest and Anna Olivia (Johnson) Earnest. She died following a brief illness, and we are all thankful that she didn’t suffer long.

Aud managed the family and home on her own while her husband was at sea, and never passed a chance to meet him in port. She would pack the kids in the car, driving to meet him in ports from Maine to the Gulf Coast, knowing that there would “be help at the end of the trip”. Since Bob was gone often for many months, and she rarely said no, she was often the first to be asked to volunteer. She was Room Mom for many years at Calf Pen Meadow ES, hosted numerous scouting events, and volunteered in the library at Foran High School.

Following the death of her husband, Audrey began working at the Milford Senior Center as a receptionist, known to those calling in as “the cheerful one”. She thrived with the purpose in life that the job gave her and the nurturing atmosphere that the management and staff provided. Family is also especially thankful that the birthday gang celebrated joyously and often with her over the years, and for the breakfast club including her on Sunday mornings. In addition, Audrey’s family is grateful for those who enabled her to remain in her home as she aged including: Maryann Hiza, Miles Gregory, Geri Dichkewich, Frank Kelly and John Krapitis.

Audrey’s greatest gift was her sustaining and enduring love for her family, including her four children and their spouses: Audrey Ann Earnest (Abby) Boxwell, Jr of Sacramento, CA, Robert J (Boo) Boxwell, Jr and his wife Loo Khee Zhee of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mary Ann (Mimi) Boxwell and her husband, Stephen J Graefe of Andover, CT, and Malcom A Boxwell of Milford, CT. She shared her love with her grandchildren and their spouses: John (Brenda), Rebecca (Tiffany), Kyle, Michael (Tania), Elena (Juan Carlos), Dana, Adam, Robert and Blaine, and her great grandchildren, Grace, Joseph, Kylie, Annelise and Gabriel, all of whom adored her. Also faithful to her to the end of her days were her sisters-in-law: Joy Ringler, Lois Boxwell and Patricia Hurlbut, and her nieces and nephews, especially Margaret, Blaine, Delores, Diane, Dennis and Denise, and her cousin Grace Nelson and her husband Robert.

Her life was enriched by her friendships that spanned decades, especially: Alvin and Evelyn Korn and their children, the late Lillian Burr, the late Richmond and Dorothy Hathaway and their children, Linnea Hopper and Grace Hoyt.

Her children wish to extend a special thanks to the staff at Yale New Haven Hospital, especially the MICU for the final six years, because it allowed us time to gather from across the globe in time to say: “I love you Mom” one last time.

Calling hours will be at Smith Funeral Home, Milford, CT, Tuesday, August 21, 4-7 pm. A memorial service will be held at 11am, August 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Beth-El Center of Milford, CT, and The Elephant Sanctuary of Hohenwald, TN.