Audrey Kirschner

Kirschner, Audrey Yvonne Audrey Yvonne Kirschner, 69, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida passed away on October 22, 2014 at the McGraw Hospice after a brief and heroic struggle with cancer. She was born and baptized in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on May 12, 1945. She was the devoted daughter of Hazel and Harvey Myers and is survived by her husband of 50 years and love of her life, Kenneth Kirschner, daughters Shelly Kirschner, Lauren Kirschner, and Kristie Naines, granddaughter, Kaia Naines, and brother Harvey Myers (Kristie). She adored motherhood including her godchildren Kendrick Reinsch, Kirsten Reinsch, and Kelsey Reinsch. She lived a dynamic life, family was her center and she greatly enjoyed her connection with nieces and nephews. Audrey was an artist, volunteer, clown, naturalist and world-class cook. She loved life, celebrated every moment and was a true humanitarian. She demonstrated her artistic abilities in her photography, and her work is part of the permanent collections in the Ashville and Boca Raton Art Museums. She was the proprietor of Kirschner Haack Fine Art in Miami Beach, Florida for many years. Her artistic endeavors included a role as a supernumerary in the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra's production of Tosca. Her homes themselves were works of art with one being featured in Architectural Digest. Her causes were many and varied, including Arlington Junior Women's Club, Betty Griffin House, Beaches Women's Partnership and Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) where she was well loved. BEAM. A tireless supporter of BEAM, Audrey worked for years assisting with food stamps and Medicaid applications as well as almost every other task. Audrey was forever the calming voice that comforted the clients in crises. Audrey's creative and humanitarian expression was also demonstrated through her experience clowning as Tulip. This was a shared passion with her daughter Shelly (Roxanne) and granddaughter Kaia (Bloom). She was the premiere clown for Beaches Baptist Hospital bringing joy and comfort to the sick. In this role she authored a book on hospital clowning used by clowns throughout the region. Tulip also founded and directed a kazoo band bringing herself and others much joy. Audrey's love of nature extended to gardening, birding, walking, boating, the beach and geocaching. She was a member of the Sea Turtle Patrol. She incorporated her passion for nature into the décor of her home. Audrey was a self-taught gourmet cook and world traveler who infused her cooking with knowledge gained during her trips. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, hosting meals for them every Sunday. The Family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Richard Joseph and the Mayo Clinic for the care they provided. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Audrey and Ken Kirschner Food Pantry at BEAM 110 Shetter Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Services: A memorial will be held on Saturday, November 1st at 10:30 a.m. at the Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach. Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, FL.

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