Two longtime Oxford residents were fondly remembered in Centennial Park Oct. 26 with kind words and a couple of magnolia trees.
Approximately 50 people gathered in the park to remember the lives of the late Mrs. Irene Awrey and the late Dr. David Jennings.
Tears, laughs, stories and hugs were exchanged as a small town memorialized two of its own.
Mrs. Awrey, who passed away Oct. 10 at age 97, worked at the Oxford Post Office for 41 years, serving the last eight years as the community’s first female postmaster. She was a longtime and active member of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ.
Jane Cortwright, a neighbor and special friend of Irene’s for 35 years, read a touching letter about Mrs. Awrey written by her daughter Katie ? ‘It’s not easy to say goodbye to Irene, but luckily and unknowingly she has left all of us who knew her tremendous gifts. To her former colleagues at the post office, she left a sense of pride, a feeling of self-worth and a strong work ethic. To her friends at church, she led by example with undeniable faith, commitment and a promise to look for the good in all people. To her neighbors, she gave friendship, support, encouragement, and a small town generosity. To her family, she gave time and love that endured generations. To myself and my family, she left in our memories a smile or a laugh that could dry tears, mend hearts and wash away worries; continuous words of wisdom; and a guardian angel. We will be eternally grateful to Irene who let a light from her heart that will touch ours for a lifetime.?
‘Irene Awrey was an absolutely tireless worker for this community,? said Oxford Village Councilman Steve Allen. ‘I think she didn’t miss an election (as a poll worker) in 35-plus years.?
‘The one time I really got in trouble with Irene was when I congratulated her on becoming Oxford’s postmistress,? recalled Oakland County Commissioner Bill Patterson (R-Oxford).
Irene immediately replied, ‘Mr. Patterson, I am the postmaster. Don’t you ever forget it!?
‘I said, ‘Irene, you always call me Bill,?? Patterson said. Irene repeated herself, ‘Mr. Patterson, I am the postmaster . . .?
‘I’ve know Irene since I was a teenager,? said Leland Laurence. ‘She was my boss for a long time (at the post office). She was my friend and co-worshipper at Immanuel Congregational.?
Laurence said he remembers how Irene ‘never, I don’t think ever, drove to work.?
‘She walked to work. And when she walked down that street, boy she was punching holes in the sidewalk.?
‘The other thing I remember about Irene is she was a good card player,? Laurence added. ‘It was more fun to have her be your partner than it was your opponent.?
Duane Salswedel said he didn’t believe Irene ever owned a pair of slacks. ‘Irene would be out in the front yard mowing her lawn and she would have a house dress on.?
Dr. Jennings, who passed away on Sept. 14 at age 77, was a general practitioner, community leader and beloved public figure for 45 years.
‘Dave and I go back, oh probably 35 years,? said Leah Harroun. ‘First of all, he was my friend and then he was my doctor. Such a love of life I’ve never seen. Such a humanitarian . . . I sure did love the guy. I miss him already. He was a very, very, very dear friend.?
Commissioner Patterson, who served on the Oxford Board of Education with Dr. Jennings many years ago, recalled the ‘one time we were ever ahead of David.?
‘We were negotiating, trying to decide on a lawn tractor for the school district. And it was between a 12-horsepower engine and a 14-horsepower engine,? Patterson said. ‘We were all mulling it over and the doctor came up with the question, ‘What’s the difference between the 12 and the 14???
Patterson said former board member Dick Beakler quietly responded, ‘Two, doctor.?
Of Dr. Jennings, Councilman Allen said, ‘David was an incredible guy . . . He was a pretty easy guy to love. In the newspaper, Katherine said that most people spend their lives collecting things, but David spent his life collecting people. He had a nice collection, didn’t he? And I think they cherished him as much as he cherished them.?
Allen read a letter to the crowd written by Dr. Jennings? wife Katherine ? ‘David would be overwhelmed at the outpouring of love from his community and so very humbled by this evening. He loved this park and all of its activities. Thank you so very much for the tree planted in memory of the kindest man I will have ever known.?
Following the outpouring of memories and emotions inside the gazebo, two small magnolia trees were planted in memory of Awrey and Jennings on the south side of the park.