"Jan Hanshaw: I met Audrey at work at Desert Song Yoga in 1995. We were two Scorpio gals; she called me "Super Scorp." I think she was really the Super One. So talented, so witty, so funny, so wise; I adored her. I'm sure she has figured out all the mysteries of the universe now. Maybe she can tell them to me in a dream. I cherish her memory. She was truly a fabulous lady and I will miss her so. "
In loving memory of
Audrey Claire Kastensmith
June 17, 2022
On June 17, 2022 the world lost a woman of impeccable talent and grace. Audrey Claire Kastensmith passed peacefully at the age of 96 surrounded by family and friends who lovingly held space for her to pass. Born 1925 in Rahway, New Jersey to Samuel and Claire Morton, she and her brother Bob were raised during the Great Depression by her mother and maternal grandparents.
In her early 20's, Audrey entered modeling school and moved to New York City where she modeled for a time while working in an upscale retail establishment. She eventually found acting to be one of her passions which she continued to participate throughout her life through local acting groups. In 1951, Audrey moved to Phoenix with her mother where she met her husband and raised two sons, Paul and Wayne. She attended Glendale and Scottsdale community colleges and eventually graduated from University of Phoenix in 1983 with a degree in business administration. She enjoyed a long career at Mountain Bell, eventually to be promoted to Executive of Public Relations.
During the 25 years with the telephone company, Audrey attended many seminars in health and art. She became passionate about "Therapeutic Touch", acupressure and yoga which she says changed her life for the better and continued for the rest of her life. She was a born artist and painted throughout her life and enjoyed a community of fellow artists.
During retirement, volunteerism was important to Audrey and she spent a great deal of time at "Literacy Volunteers", "Reading for the Blind" and reading for "Talking Books." As she aged, her own eyesight declined and she used the very service that she had volunteered for so many years.
Audrey is survived by her son Wayne, granddaughter's Christie, Jenny, Rachell and three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to Hospice of the Valley in her name. Donation line number is 602/530-6992 or online www.hov.org
Tributes
"Audrey and I first met at the old Stagebrush Theatre in Scottsdale, when we were cast in the play THE CORN IS GREEN, in 1961, her longtime friend, Trudy Hurley, was Miss Moffat, Audrey was the cockney Mrs. Watty and I played Miss Ronberry. Trudy and her family moved to Phoenix, and she encouraged Audrey to move here. We shared some great travels together, and our first was in 1964 to the New York World?s Fair. Several Elderhostel trips to Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the University of Chicago with local trips in our beautiful state. For years, Audrey hosted the infamous White Elephant gift New Year?s Eve party at her home, attended by the theatre group. Audrey was a talented and clever actress, especially with comedy. Shared much laughter together and enjoyed her sense of humor and silly puns. We shared the challenges of being single Moms and claimed we would write a book of our experiences! Audrey became a community volunteer for my ESL class at Central High and respected and admired by the student. Remembrance of our friendship with much laughter, joy, appreciation of theatre and the ?special theatre group?, and love of family will hold a special spot in my memory bank. Rest in peace, dear friend. With sincere sympathy to Wayne and loved ones, Joan Silberschlag and sons, Stephen, Joseph and Hans. "
"I met Audrey through her son Wayne and remember her as an energetic and positive person. She always saw the best in others and was generous in her time and affection to her family and friends. She was so proud of her son and grandchildren and I hope their memories of her will give them comfort during this time. "
"Audrey was a beautiful, loving, kind, and generous spirit, who brightened our world with her beauty, grace, gentle touch, infectious laugh, infinite wisdom, and an amazing voice that brought the joy of books into the lives of those who could no longer read. Audrey will always have a special place in my heart and in my daily meditations."