Edna Mable Audrey Hultgren

Edna Mabel Audrey Hultgren, known to all as Audrey, passed away late in the evening of January 21, 2026, at the age of 97 years and 9 months.

Audrey was born on April 29, 1928, in Penticton, British Columbia, to Levin Benjamin Hultgren and Anna (Budd) Hultgren. Her parents owned a small local business that began as a shoe repair shop and later became known as Levin's Confectionery.

She was the younger sibling of her brother, Gordon Theodore Levin Hultgren, born in August 1926, who preceded her in death. Along with her parents, Levin and Anna Hultgren; and her nephew Larry Hultgren. She is survived by her niece, Dianne Hultgren, and her nephews, Allen Hultgren, and Greg (Marilyn) Hultgren.

Audrey made her decision to serve the Lord at the Salmon Arm, British Columbia Convention on August 4, 1944, and she remained faithful to that commitment throughout her life.

She graduated from Penticton High School in 1947 and continued her education in music. Audrey first studied violin and later focused on piano. She received her first certificate as a piano teacher on August 8, 1948, and in October 1952 graduated from the University of Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music as an Associate in Piano Teaching.

Audrey began her professional career teaching private piano lessons in Penticton before moving to Salem, Oregon, in 1956. Though a friend had planned to accompany her, Audrey made the journey on her own. She initially worked for the Oregon Division of Rehabilitation before returning to private piano instruction full-time, teaching both piano and music theory. She concluded a teaching career that spanned more than forty-five years, with brothers Geno and Tino Villanueva as her final formal students. Even after retirement, Audrey continued offering informal piano lessons to friends and caregivers at Cedar Village Assisted Living nearly until the end of her life.

Audrey was well known for her hospitality and the many friendships she nurtured over the years. Friends, relatives, and former roommates enjoyed holiday meals, visits, and extended stays in her home. She was especially fondly remembered for her Sunday evening "puzzle parties," where friends gathered for supper, worked together on countless jigsaw puzzles, and enjoyed music, often featuring Audrey at the piano alongside longtime friend Jerry Goins playing tuba in her studio.

After suffering several falls that resulted in broken legs, Audrey completed her lifes journey at The Arbor Memory Care Facility in Keizer, Oregon. There she continued to be known for her cheerful demeanor, gentle sweetness, and desire to help those less able than herself.

Audrey's faith remained steadfast to the end of her life. In her final days, she expressed a strong desire to read her Bible, choosing her New Testament printed in Canadian shorthand.