Audrey Leonard (Speer) Vander Yacht

She was born in Orange, New Jersey on March 18, 1929, to Howard and Hildegard (Strieder) Speer. She married W.C. (Bill) Vander Yacht in 1954 and he preceded her in death in 2014. She graduated from Fair Lawn High School in Radburn, New Jersey and attended Purdue University. In high school she was a nationally ranked swimmer, and continued swimming regularly until just a few months before her death. Her husband was a physician in Michigan and then the US Army, and as a doctor’s wife, Audrey was active in numerous Hospital Auxiliaries. She was a life-long member of the Episcopal Church and served on vestries and in the ECW in multiple churches. She also sang in her church choir until shortly before passing. In nearly every organization of which she was a member, from high school cheerleading to college sorority to civic, hospital, and church groups, Audrey eventually became its captain, president, or chairperson, as her leadership skills were highly regarded by her peers.

Audrey is survived by her son Jeff, his wife Jenney, son-in-law Ronald Jones, grandchildren Kelsea Jones (Max Duncan) and Travis Jones (Peter Navario), and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Bill, her daughter Jody, and her brother Donald.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held June 8, 2024, at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church in Anniston, AL.