Audrey "Ted" Hooker

People who knew Audrey “Ted” Hooker were blessed – by her unconditional love and her generosity of spirit. She purposely looked for ways to give to others, volunteering her time, her effort and her love. Audrey was a selfless and strong willed woman who, through her love and hard work, provided a strong and benevolent foundation for her family.

In 1915, life was changing rapidly. Under the direction of President Woodrow Wilson, the United States was embracing the industrial revolution, and Americans celebrated the completion of the one millionth Ford automobile to roll off the assembly lines. Although events were definitely exciting in the U.S., for the Stout family of Fremont, Michigan, the most exciting event of the year was the birth of their daughter, Audrey, on December 5, 1915. Her father, however, really had his hopes up for a boy, so after she was born, he took to calling her “Ted” after Theodore Roosevelt, and this nickname stuck with her throughout life.

Audrey grew up in the rural area of Fremont, where her father was a farmer, and her mother was a homemaker, though later worked in the offices at the Gerber plant. Unlike many girls of the time, Audrey completed her education in the Fremont schools, and graduated from Fremont High in 1934. She then joined her mother working at the Gerber plant in the offices. It was during her last years in high school that Audrey met the love of her life, John “Jack” Hooker, two years her senior. He had asked to walk her home one day, from a basketball game and with that, their love story began. The sweethearts were happily married shortly after graduating high school in a quaint ceremony in Fremont.

After saying “I do,” the newlyweds and settled into married life together in Fremont and later moved to a home on Knapp St. in Grand Rapids. At the time, this was the city limits so the trolley turned around across the street from their house. Once settled, Audrey and Jack found a spiritual home among the congregation at Second Congregational Church of Grand Rapids, where they were active in many church activities. Audrey especially enjoyed volunteering her time and talents with the church group that catered weddings, and helping along at the American Cancer Society. After some time, the couple moved to a home on Hollywood N.E. and it was here they would raise their three children: John Jr., William and Kathryn. Eventually, Jack, Ted and Kathy moved to a home on Washtenaw N.E., where they remained for many years.

Time together as a family was always important to Audrey and Jack, so they built a home on Big White Fish Lake just north of Grand Rapids, where they created many wonderful memories as a family during the summer months. The kids all fondly remember the time they spent on the lake, learning to water ski, among other sports. As time went on, maintaining two houses became too much for Audrey and Jack, so they sold their home in Grand Rapids and made the lake house their permanent residence. However, it wasn’t unusual for the couple to also spend winters in sunny Florida, and travel around while there. They also took some Gulf Cruses and at one time a wonderful trip to Hawaii. Tragically, Audrey lost her beloved Jack very unexpectedly on June 15, 1981, after a heart attack while on his way to go fishing. Despite being heartbroken, Audrey found great comfort in her family, and the strength to go on. She continued to live on her own at the lake house, and had to learn to drive pretty quickly in order to stay independent. After about 5 years, Audrey decided to sell the lake house in October of 1985, and moved to a condominium in town on Cranbrook N.E.

One of Audrey’s most endearing traits was that she willingly and lovingly always gave of her time and talents to help someone in need. She stayed busy volunteering at the Kent Community Hospital as part of the Auxiliary staff, where one of her tasks was to distribute donated flowers to various patients in the hospital for them to enjoy. Outside of volunteering, Audrey was known to have an adventurous side, as she and her friend, Phyllis, took a couple of trips to East Africa (Kenya), as well as a tour of Europe. In her quieter moments at home, Audrey still kept busy, this time knitting countless stocking caps that she donated to the Santa Claus Girls and to the children at St. John’s Home. Her own children and grandchildren undoubtedly had their own stockpile of caps from her (enough to probably last a lifetime). Sadly, Audrey would endure yet more heartache in her life when she lost her son, John, and later her daughter, Kathy. Her strong will helped her through these difficult times, and gave her the strength once again to carry on. Over the last two weeks, Audrey had become ill and was hospitalized. She continued to be alert and even witty until the end when she passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011, at the age of 95.

Through her commitment to her family and to others, Audrey redefined the concept of unconditional love. She had a full, caring heart, and everyone who spent time with her felt the warmth of her presence. She will be dearly missed.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” R. Hooker, and her son, John R. Hooker Jr., and her daughter, Kathryn J. Hooker Prothro. Surviving are her children: William and Therese Hooker; her grandchildren: Faye and Russ Graves, Robert and Lora Hooker, Christopher and Barbara Hooker, Matthew and Joey Hooker, Elizabeth and Dave Buehler and Sarah Hooker; her great grandchildren: Justin, Jessica, Jacob, Samantha and Madison; and nieces and nephews.

A time to celebrate Audrey’s life will be held on Saturday, October 15, at 3 p.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E., Grand Rapids, with a time of visitation from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Audrey wished for you to bring and share your favorite poem at the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the American Society would be appreciated. Please visit Audrey’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory and sign her online guest book.