It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Audrey McKeague. Audrey was a member of our Club from July 12, 2005 to March 1, 2022 (the day she died). See here for more information. She was a registered nurse. When she moved to San Francisco, she changed her career and sold pianos. Audrey was an accomplished pianist and played the piano often at our Club's meetings.
In Rotary, she is most remembered for her work with the Salvation Army Harbor House. Not only did she believe in "Service Above Self", but she also lived by these words. Most of all, Audrey was proud to be a Rotarian. Below are the memories and tributes from two Rotarians who knew Audrey well.
"Our Club had made a commitment to help furnish apartments for residents of the Salvation Army Harbor House so that the residents could have a ready-to-live-in home when they left the program. Our Club supplied and funded everything from linens, pots and pans to furniture. Audrey McKeague and Emily Borland co-chaired this project.
Audrey was a marvelous woman and so supportive of our Club when she retired from selling pianos for Sherman, Clay & Co. among other vendors. She loved music and was a talented pianist. Her greatest pride and joy was her Steinway.
Audrey had huge back surgery several years ago from which she never recovered. When asked if she wanted to be an honorary member in our Club because of her years of service and inability to attend meetings, her husband Richard said "No" as she had hoped to one day be able to return. She was heroic, sweet, and a talented woman with a quiet sense of leadership. Audrey will be missed."
~ Anita Stangl, Club President, 2006-2007
"Audrey McKeague was dignified, always smartly dressed, and passionate about helping others. I remember meeting Audrey many times at Salvation Army Harbor House, to present home furnishings to graduates of that program; at Hoogasian’s Flower Shop, with her husband Richard, to organize diaper bags for Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP); and at social occasions, to eat and drink and enjoy life.
One time, Audrey asked if it bothered me that she was 40 years older than I am. I said, “Not at all.” She said, “Good, because that’s the way Rotary works: you’ve got to be open to possibilities and whomever might bring those possibilities.” Those were words of wisdom from a very smart woman. Audrey was a mentor to me, in both our work at Harbor House and now our work at HPP. Her efforts to provide Service Above Self had us giving away Thanksgiving baskets, attending holiday parties to distribute gifts at Harbor House, bagging goodies for clients at HPP, and attending HPP baby showers. Audrey was a wonderful Rotarian, a diligent supporter of the community, and a valued friend."
~ Emily Borland