Audrey (Fischer) Kibrick

Our dearest Audrey, cherished daughter, beloved mother, and adored Mooma, passed away on Friday afternoon, February 19, 2021.

Audrey, the treasured only child of Jeanne and Henry Fischer, was born and raised in Manhattan, and attended the Barnard School for Girls and New York University. She moved to Albany in 1971 with her three children, Madeline, Steven and Eileen. She spent the next decades raising her children and caring for her parents (all single-handedly), while working full time and completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Albany. Her children look back with awe and amazement at how hard she worked, how much she overcame, and all that she accomplished on her own. She and her family were supported by her dearest friends Joy Siskin and Eve Kupferman. Audrey and her children found great community at Temple Gates of Heaven in Schenectady, where Audrey was the celebrated Jewish cooking teacher. She even taught her future son-in-law Bret.

Audrey was a compassionate social worker and served as the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Albany and then of The Next Step. Even after retirement, Audrey remained active, working as part-time director of the St. Peter’s Addiction Recovery Alcoholism Education program and volunteering with the Albany County Democratic Committee as well as the League of Women Voters.

Audrey had an endlessly generous heart and a kind and gentle soul. She made deep friendships at work and at home at the Beltrone Living Center. Indeed, each of her friends has remarked that Audrey was the kindest person ever known. She was a fierce champion and advocate for her family and friends, and drew strength by caring for others, particularly Mary and Phil. Audrey enjoyed several years with her special friend Eli Swartz  and his family until Eli’s passing in 2016.

Her greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. Our Mooma was devoted to her grandchildren and had such an incredible bond with each of them. She was our rock. She will forever be missed by her children Madeline (Bret) Kauffman, Steven (Judy) Kibrick and Eileen (Michael) O’Grady, her grandchildren, Andrew (Carley), Michelle, Mitchell, Blake, Josh, Hayley and Justin, as well as her cousins the Greene family and her many, many friends.

Due to the limitations imposed by COVID, there will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.  The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKVQZS8D3_g.  The link will open a few minutes early.

A virtual shiva is being arranged for family and friends. Please email AudreyKibrickShiva@gmail.com or call (518) 928-1289 for details.

Those wishing to make a donation in honor of Audrey’s life can donate to the Upstate New York Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at www.jdrf.org, the League of Women Voters at www.lvw.org, or the charity of one’s choice.

May her memory be for a blessing.  

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