Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was reunited with her beloved husband on June 27, 2026. Age 80 years.

The daughter of the late Edward and Evelyn (Miller) Bitterman, Audrey was born August 27, 1945, in Owosso, MI. She graduated from St. Michael Catholic High School, class of 1963, winning the Voice of Democracy Award. Audrey married the love of her life, Jay Reikowsky, on November 22, 1963; he predeceased her on January 16, 2002. Together they built a life full of love and dedicated to their family and their community. Audrey pursued many interests, including work as a cosmetologist, stock car driving, delivering mail, and becoming a first responder and fire fighter. Audrey also loved to dance, drive the tractor on her farm, raise and show Great Danes, and smoke her Marlboro Reds. At the center of Audrey's heart was her family and her community. She served as Township Supervisor and raised 14 foster kids, leaving an indelible mark on each of them. The love Audrey had for her children and foster children extended to all the people in the neighborhood; everyone was welcome at her table. Audrey also had a love of traveling, taking a month-long road trip with her sister out to California and back. When she wasn't busy with one of her many interests, Audrey enjoyed being in the house that she and Jay built together, piece by piece as they were able to. She enjoyed nature especially trees and bird watching, having a favorite tree at her home and at one point 21 bird feeders. Audrey also loved Christmas and decorated every single room in her home. She was a member of St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church. Although she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, we take solace in knowing she is now with her greatest love, Jay.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters: Nicole (Matthew) Reikowsky Vande Steeg and Christie (Ryan) Jussila; four grandchildren: Melina, Maycie, Andy, and Cash; siblings: Janise Rose, Marjorie Hall, Dianne (Dave) Ehrhardt, Richard Bitterman; special bonus children Mark and Mike Stamann, Robert Williams, and Rita Emeott.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Jay Reikowsky; siblings: Edward Bitterman, Evelyn (Miller) Bitterman, Louise and Fred Smietana, Edward Bitterman, Jr., and Laurel Rose; siblings-in-law, Gene and Christina Reikowsky, Bruce and Alice Reikowsky; grandchild Roxanne Emeott.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Merrill, 125 E. Saginaw St., Merrill, MI 48637. Rev. Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela will officiate. Honoring Audrey's wishes cremation will take place following services. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Tuesday, June 30, from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm, and Wednesday morning from 10:00 am until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Marion Township Fire Department.