Audrey Wasik Obituary

Audrey M. Wasik
Audrey M. Wasik, 88, of Broomfield, CO, formerly of Somers and South Windsor, CT, passed away August 23, 2024, surrounded by family.
Audrey was born January 28, 1936, twelve minutes after her identical twin, Anne, at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, CT, to parents Josephine and Raymond T. McMullen of Moodus, CT.
She was raised in the small country town of Moodus where she and her sisters, Anne and Joan, worked behind the soda fountain at the town pharmacy owned by their parents. It was here at the drug store where Audrey's passion for politics and serving others was born as the store served as a gathering place for folks to discuss politics and world events. In addition to being a pharmacist, Audrey's father served many years as a CT State Representative and the drug store was a magnet for his constituents.
Audrey graduated from Hale-Ray High School, class of 1954, and entered the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1958 with a B.S. in Physical Therapy. While at UCONN, she was active in women's student government; was a member of Mortar Board, a national honor society, and was listed in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."
While attending UCONN, Audrey was set up on a blind date with Don Wasik, a tall, handsome student at the University of Notre Dame. Don, thinking Audrey's twin Anne was a perfect match for his best friend and college roommate Bob Orner, encouraged Bob to write to her. After mutual courtships, the two couples married in a storybook double wedding ceremony in June of 1959.
Audrey and Don settled in South Windsor, CT in 1960 where they raised five children. Audrey worked as a physical therapist part-time while bringing up her family, but she always pursued her interest in government. Her political bona fides are many: Audrey was elected to the South Windsor Board of Education in 1967 and was a charter member of the South Windsor League of Women Voters. She was an active member of the South Windsor Democratic Town Committee, serving for many years as VP and also managing election headquarters. She served as local coordinator for congressional candidate William Cotter in '70, '72, and '74. In 1980 she was District Coordinator for then Congressman Chris Dodd in his first run for the U.S. Senate. Audrey served on the Democratic State Central Committee from 1976-1996 and was Chair of the Affirmative Action Committee of Delegate Selection Process for the 1980 National Convention of Delegates. She attended the 1980 and 1988 Democratic National Conventions and served as a delegate to many local, state and congressional conventions. In 1982 she was a candidate for the democratic nomination for Secretary of the State. Audrey received numerous gubernatorial appointments: Implementation Committee – regarding issues concerning individuals with traumatic brain injury; Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease; Governor's Commission to study the Veterans' Home and Hospital, Chair of the Subcommittee on Program Recommendations. And in 1983 Audrey was appointed by Governor William O'Neill as Coordinator of Long-Term Care for the State of Connecticut tasked with leading nine commissioners overseeing the state's health and human services agencies. In 1994 she served on the Inland Wetlands Commission.
Delaying retirement until the age of 81, Audrey finished her illustrious career as a lobbyist working on causes for which she was passionate. She especially loved working with Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Audrey served as their chief lobbyist and government relations analyst for decades. Under her fierce yet graceful tutelage, Audrey worked tirelessly 'across the aisle,' utilizing her own vast skill sets in both health care and in legislative relationship management. In their words, "CT APRN Society will forever honor Audrey for shepherding much success over the years in increasing public access to nurse practitioner care all over the state!"
But of course, Audrey wasn't happy simply relaxing in retirement. She discovered 100 Women Who Care, with 600 Chapters worldwide and in 2018, at age 82, she became a founding member of the North Central CT Chapter. 100 Women Who Care is an organization consisting of women who gather for one hour, four times a year to donate $100 each to a local charity voted on by the membership. With thirteen members in 2018 this chapter has grown to forty members today and has raised $95,000 in donations to local charities.
Audrey's intelligence, caring heart, and Catholic faith infused her work. These traits were also evident in how she cared for us, her family. Mom was the center, the sun, and with love kept us in her orbit. She was the organizer of family events and the hub of communication. Mom hosted many a sleepover with her adult daughters and nieces always interested in their lives and championing their accomplishments. A queen of catalogue shopping, she always chose a beautiful, but practical gift. "What do you need?" was a favorite question and then gifts would simply arrive. She took particular pride in finding that quirky gift for a grandchild, something they loved, but never knew they wanted. She immensely enjoyed helping her family and spreading joy. Mom was happiest when we were all together.
Mom was an avid supporter of UCONN women's basketball and rarely missed a game. She would also find a way to watch her grandson Dom play hockey, even if it was watching an exceptionally poor-quality picture on her computer, a dedicated hockey grandma!
Never having lived outside CT, at the age of 87 and a widow, Mom embarked on what became her final adventure; she moved to Colorado. After living so far away from her three sons and their children, she was finally able to spend holidays and the odd weekends with them and get lots of hugs from cherished granddaughters, Addison, Josie and Emma-Lou. Mom moved into independent living at The Gallery in Broomfield. It was there she met and fell in love with Larry Carlson. Mom lived her final year with love, companionship and adventure, with friendship and affection. Sadly, Larry passed away ten days before Mom. It is a tremendous comfort for us to know they brought each other such joy at the end of their lives.
Audrey is predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Donald E. Wasik; her sister Joan and husband Dr. James O'Brien; brothers-in-law Robert T. Orner; William Tetmeyer; Stephen Wasik and wife Jacqueline; and her partner Lawrence Carlson.
Audrey is survived by her five children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Christopher (Susan) Wasik of CO and their children Sean, Brett, Erin (Nolan) Lee and their children Emmet and Hazel; Cynthia (David) Gagne of CO/MA and their children Daniel and Dylan; Maureen Wasik (Stephen Nystrup) of CT and their children Aaron Nystrup and Max Behrendt; Timothy (Gianina) Wasik of CO and their children Josie and Emma Lou; Michael (Christina) Wasik of CO and their children Addison and Dominik. She is also survived by her twin Anne Orner Tetmeyer of FL and many treasured nieces, nephews and extended family.
Calling hours will be held November 8, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. All are welcome at a funeral Mass to be held on November 9, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Road, South Windsor, where Don and Audrey were parishioners for nearly 50 years. Private burial to follow at St. Bridget's of Kildare Cemetery, Moodus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hartford Bags of Love, a charity to address homelessness. Donations may be sent to 37 Kelly Road, South Windsor, CT 06074. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
We would be unforgivably remiss if we did not end this tribute to our beautiful mother with her favorite word: VOTE!!!