Martin High School graduate Audrey Pride died Tuesday, April 18, in Lawton. She was 52.
Diagnosed with a heart condition at an early age didn’t stop her from devoting her life to her twin daughters or traveling with her family every chance she got. Those who knew Audrey often described her as having determination, grit, and character.
She was born to Greg (Donald) and Madeleine Alexander, April 11, 1971. Greg (Donald) Alexander worked as a Spanish teacher, principal, and superintendent at Martin High School. Madeleine Alexander worked as a radiographer for Kalamazoo Radiology. Audrey grew up in both Parchment and Martin. The Alexander family enjoyed tent camping, annual trips to Florida and weekends at the family cottage.
Graduating from Martin High School in 1989, Audrey went on to attend Western Michigan University, graduating in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree and in 2002 with a master’s degree. While in high school, Audrey enjoyed being a band member and was first chair and soloist. She was also a member of the National Honor Society.
It was in 1987 that she met her husband, Steve Pride, and they married in on Aug. 6, 1994. Early in their relationship, Audrey and Steve enjoyed going to the movies and dinner. Audrey never gave up on her dream to have children. Steve and Audrey welcomed their beloved twin daughters, Anna and Clara, on Valentine’s Day 2008.
Once the twins were born, the family enjoyed making many fun memories together. The annual trip to cut a family Christmas tree down being one of Audrey’s favorites. She also would take an annual girls’ trip with Anna and Clara and her friend, Jennifer Kroll, who also had twin daughters. All the spare time that Audrey had was spent with her family and friends. Audrey loved to get together on the holidays and attend family gatherings. Traveling was another favorite of Audrey’s. The family just recently returned from a trip to Madrid, Spain.
Audrey built many lifelong friendships during her tenure at Vicksburg High School as a Spanish and social studies teacher. Some of Audrey’s hobbies included: scrapbooking, sewing, and crafting with her daughters.
“I am going to live life.” Audrey often said,never one to be dragged down by her lifelong heart condition. Many did not know how sick she was or the health issues that she struggled with daily. Instead of dwelling on her health issues, Audrey decided to devote herself to being a dedicated mother, friend, and partner to her husband.
Survivors include her husband Steve, her daughters: Anna Elizabeth and Clara Guinevere Pride; siblings: Allison (David) Boysen and Andrew Alexander (Jillian Sevick); her mother Madeleine Alexander. She was preceded in death by her father, Greg (Donald) Alexander
The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception with food, drinks and stories will be shared will follow in the Life Story Center.
Please visit Audrey’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
