Obituary of Audrey Merle Fenton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mom, Audrey Fenton (nee Havens).  She had experienced declining health and died peacefully with the comfort of her family at her side at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, during the evening of Tuesday July 7, 2026.  She was four days shy of her 94th birthday.

Remembered as a dedicated and devoted family woman, Audrey is survived by her daughter, Ann Fenton (Derek Driscoll) and her son, John Fenton (Erin Penner).

She is predeceased by her husband, James (Jim) Fenton (2005) and her parents, Wilbert Havens and Laurene 'Gertrude' (Will) Havens.  She was their only child.

Audrey was born and raised in the small rural farming community of New Durham, ON. She attended high school in Norwich and furthered her education at Teachers College at Western University in London.

Audrey loved teaching the primary grades and did so for 11 years in North Norwich township and later in Woodstock. She and Jim married in 1963, and she refocused on homemaking and raising a family. Ann was born in Ontario and John in Alberta.

She was a committed caregiver to her small family. Mom facilitated many family moves, settling her family into new communities across Canada and within Ontario with great organization and finesse. She will be remembered as a masterful cake designer and decorator as well as a talented seamstress, both with clothing and home decor as well as a volunteer seamstress for figure skating events.

Audrey and family settled in Waterloo, ON, in 1985. She took great pride in raising her family and supporting their educational pursuits and championing their many extracurricular activities. She was the quiet strength that kept her family together. Her longtime Christian faith was based in service within the church community, especially the UCW organization.

A memorial service to celebrate Audrey's life and faith will take place at Emmanuel United Church, 22 Bridgeport Road West, Waterloo, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. The Reverend Brenda Torrie will be officiating. A reception will follow in the Hearth Room of the church.

Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date at the New Durham Cemetery in Norwich township.

Memorial contributions to Emmanuel United Church, the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo-Wellington, or the K-W Seniors Day Program would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Expressions of sympathy or donations may be arranged through the Erb & Good Funeral Home, Waterloo at 519.745.8445 or at www.erbgood.com.