HALLOWELL ~ Audrey Colby Ledew, 97, passed away peacefully October 7, 2017. She lived a long, happy, and healthy life. She was born at home in Windsor on September 20, 1920, the daughter of Warren 'Sam' Colby and Viola Gove Colby and sister to Geneva. Audrey attended Erskine Grammar, a one-room school in Windsor, until Grade 8. She graduated from Cony High School in Augusta in 1937 and Gates Business College in 1939. In 1943 Audrey wed Norman Ledew in Arkansas where Norman was stationed during World War II. In 1945 they returned to Maine living in Augusta, Gardiner, and finally settling in Hallowell in 1950. Her life revolved around Norman, her sister Geneva (sis), her five children, and renovating, maintaining, and decorating her century-old home. Audrey was a fastidious homemaker and do-it-yourselfer. She was as skilled with a power saw as she was with sewing machine and took great pride in her expert frugality. Always a woman of faith, Audrey was a loyal communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Hallowell for more than 65 years. She also served on the Sacred Heart Women's Guild and as a volunteer at the Oblate Retreat House in Augusta when it was an active source of Catholic support and education for the area. Her love of Maine was reflected in numerous lobster bakes with family at Reid State Park, Sunday afternoon drives, Wyeth art, trips to Renys, and sipping Moxie on her porch overlooking the Kennebec River. Once her children were grown she took up golf and discovered she was a natural. She had two holes in one to her credit and a fearsome reputation among her peers. In 2000, she lost her husband of 57 years, Norman. Audrey was a stoic lady and lived independently until the age 95. Her final years were spent in assisted living at the Balsam House in Readfield. Audrey was predeceased by her sister Geneva and two sons in law, Col.(ret) Thomas O'Connell and Lawrence Britton. Audrey leaves behind four daughters: Joanne Britton, of Vancouver, Canada, Patricia O'Connell, of Winthrop, Jane (husband Jim Norris), of East Winthrop, and Dolly (husband Mike White), of Scarborough; a son David (wife Kathy Malloy) of Litchfield and their children Justin and Lorson Poirier; grandchildren Andrew and Kevin O'Connell, Patrick Britton, Anne and Peter Norris, and Rebecca White; and five great grandchildren. A private family service will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta where Audrey will be laid to rest next to her husband. A mass in her name will be held at the Sacred Heart Church in Hallowell at a later date. The family wishes to thank the employees at the Balsam House for the excellent care they have provided to Audrey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to the charity of your choice in Audrey's name. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com