Audrey Louise Orchard

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Audrey Louise Orchard, a wonderful lady, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Since being diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, she was determined to do whatever it took to fight the disease that had taken the lives of so many of her close family and friends. Her strength and optimism allowed her to respond well to the treatment and six months later she was on a plane to San Diego to attend her granddaughter's college graduation in May 2023, as well as the celebration in Tahoe the following month. The treatment inevitably began to take its toll on her, but she was resolute on celebrating her 90th birthday last September. Audrey had a way of overcoming any obstacle that stood in her way, and surprised so many of her doctors with her strong will and ability to bounce back after each setback. She would tell us all that "I have a lot of life to live still" and with the tender loving care from her devoted husband, children, and grandchildren, it made it all worthwhile. Despite her admirable perseverance, she passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024, at home in Santa Rosa, CA with her loving family by her side. 

Born in Fullerton, CA on September 28, 1933, Audrey spent her youth in Oklahoma, before moving back to California during her teen years. She married the love of her life, Stewart "Fred" Orchard, of Marin County, CA in 1965 and raised six children while making a living as a waitress, model, boutique owner, travel agent, villa specialist, and owner of Villas de Oro Vacation Rentals in Santa Rosa, CA for the last 30 years. She cherished her family most of all, although her friends and clients became a huge extended family over the years. She was known as “La Patrona” to many who knew her through numerous trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where she and Fred, and a few other family members, have co-owned Casa Copa de Oro since the late 1970’s.

Audrey is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Stewart F. Orchard Jr; sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie & Mark Robertson; son, Arnold Ash; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy & Michael Riker; daughter, Cathy Richardson; daughter and son-in-law, Laura & Chad Shortridge; daughter Lisa Orchard, grandsons Bruce Brown, David & Mike Riker, and Micah Nyamuzuwe, granddaughters, Jaime Brown, Kayla Riker, Tina Cushman, Jenna Shortridge, and Mazvita Nyamuzuwe; six great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine "Jeri" Gadt; her father, Fred E. Palmer; her brothers, Eddie Palmer, Fred Palmer, and Tom Palmer; and her oldest daughter, Deborah Swanson. 

Audrey leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and integrity that will continue to inspire and guide us all. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she has touched. She will remain in our hearts forever while reminding us to cherish each precious moment we are given. May she rest in eternal peace. A celebration of life in her honor will take place at Lafferty & Smith on June 23, 2024, at 12pm with a reception to follow at the family's residence. 

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