Audrey Loretta Tirrell, 94, of Marblehead died Thursday, Aug. 17 after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late G. Wilbur Tracey and Loretta Ryan Tracey and the stepdaughter of the late C. Marguerite Tracey.
A lifelong Marblehead resident, Tirrell graduated from Marblehead High School in 1946 and Lasell College in 1948 with an associate’s degree. She studied voice in New York City for a year before returning to earn a bachelor of science in business from Boston University.
After graduating from Boston University, Tirrell worked at General Electric in Lynn, where she met her future husband, John A. Tirrell. They married in 1952 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage until John’s death in 2013.
Audrey became a homemaker and mother to four daughters, maintaining an interest in music throughout her life. She performed locally, served as a soloist for several churches and worked as a church choir director.
An avid reader and animal lover, Tirrell owned many dogs over the years and raised, bred and showed Persian cats. She loved entertaining, traveling and hosting friends and family in Bermuda and Key West, as well as in her backyard. Known for her beauty, style, large personality, strong opinions, impressive wardrobe, fun-loving companionship and encouragement of others to enjoy life, Audrey will be missed.
She is survived by three daughters, Loretta Bogosian (Zaven) and Cynthia Tirrell-Norton (Edward), all of Marblehead, and Mary Beth Tirrell (Bobby Shah) of Marblehead and Essex. She was predeceased by her daughter Tracy Tirrell, son-in-law Scott Snow and grandson John-Pietro Valentini of Marblehead.
She is also survived by grandchildren Ashley Valentini of Dorchester, Adam Bogosian (Cory) of Northport, Maine, Aliza Bogosian of Marblehead, Luke Norton of Manchester, New Hampshire, Liam Norton of Ithaca, New York, and Phaedra Tirrell of Marblehead and Essex. She is also survived by great-granddaughter Adleigh Tracy Briar Bogosian of Northport, Maine, many nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Rose Tirrell of Nahant and longtime friend Wendy Phillips of Salem.
Tirrell’s family thanks the caregivers who extended her stay at home, Pauline, Abie and Jacqueline, and the many caregivers, especially Ruth Corridon, at Wellspring Village in Brightview, Danvers, when a homestay was no longer possible. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Care Dimensions of Danvers, whose oversight at both locations was invaluable.
A celebration of Audrey’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Tirrell family can be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
