Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she then lived in Marlboro, New Jersey prior to moving to Old Bridge in 1982.
An incredible, intelligent woman, Audrey entered the workforce as a registered nurse but decided to pursue education. She was an excellent teacher, specializing in middle school social studies, and impacted the lives of thousands of students over the 27 years that she taught. She never stopped learning and completed her Masters degree with credits towards a doctorate.
After retiring, she dedicated herself to enjoying her free time, which she filled with her hobbies and spending time with her grandchildren.
Audrey was a talented artist who painted throughout her life. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening, and was known for delicious chicken matzo ball soup and apple cake, as well as beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Audrey felt at home in the outdoors and spent a lot of time in Maine, a place she loved and a focus of many of her paintings. She was also an avid reader.
Audrey was the light of everyone she met. She was empathetic and selflessly cared for others, supporting her mother and her brother; and providing a warm and nurturing home for her children. She valued friendship and maintained her relationships through kindness and humility. While those who loved Audrey are heartbroken, their lives will forever be better for having known her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Doris Patashna and her beloved brother Stanley.
She is survived by her loving husband David Celestina with whom she shared 34 wonderful years; her former spouse Lloyd Leff with whom she had her two children; her daughter Suzanne Matisoff and her husband Richard; her son Todd Leff and his wife Billianna; and her treasured grandchildren, Zander Leff, Samantha Matisoff, Jared Matisoff, and Soran Leff.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 19 at 11:00 am Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapels, 44 Wilson Avenue, Manalapan, New Jersey 07726, (732)446-4242. The family will receive guests from 10:15 am and the religious ceremony will begin at 11:00 am. An interment service will be held at Fairview Cemetery, 456 Route 35 South, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, (732)747-1710.
The family will be sitting Shiva at her daughter’s residence: 8 Empress Ct, Freehold, NJ on Friday, July 19 from 5–8 PM, and Sunday, July 21 from 1–4 PM.
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