Obituary of Audrey E. Rainey

Audrey Feller Rainey, age 95, of Stratford and formerly of Trumbull, beloved wife of the late James J. Rainey, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Bridgeport on March 31, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Bessy Burns Feller. Audrey was a retired employee of Sikorsky Aircraft.

She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who cared deeply for her family and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her loving and dedicated daughter, Kathleen Rainey of Stratford, three cherished grandchildren, Jacob (Lindsay), Shannon Lynn (Rob) and Eric (Lisa), an adored great grandson Mark, daughter-in-law, Deborah Rainey, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by two sons, Thomas Rainey and James J. Rainey Jr., six brothers, Ellwood, Raymond, Harry, Milton, Stanley and Warren Feller and three sisters, Mildred Parker, Evelyn Keegan and Dorothy Howard.

Her most precious in the last several years of her life was her Grandson Jacob. She was there on the day of his birth and every day after. He was her “reason” for the last years of her existing life. Jacob was adored and loved like no other Grandmother could love a Grandchild. He was her “rock”. Any way she needed assistance, help or care, Jacob was there. Without a doubt Audrey will be by his side in spirit for the rest of his days on earth.

In her early days Audrey was a synchronized swimmer that competed in competitions. She worked at phone company where she worked as a telephone operator working the old-fashioned switchboard with wires and headset. 

Also, proudly employed at Sikorsky Aircraft for 27 years in the tool crib where she maintained the government tools and parts that went on the aircraft. She retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in 1991 to enjoy the finer qualities of life. 

Casino bus trips two times a month. She was a lucky one on the slots. She would be waiting for payoff of a jackpot and win another jackpot on the slot machine next to the other.

If not on the bus to the casino she could be found playing bingo or at the Milford Senior Center.

Audrey was also a frequent shopper at the Goodwill or tag sale looking for a bargain. But usually, she would come home with something that was for someone else instead of herself.

Audrey was a wonderful, independent, caring, strong and loving woman who possessed several qualities that we all aspire to be blessed with in our lifetime.

Tell her to take a left and or sure she would take a right. Nobody was telling her what to do! Anyone who knew Audrey can tell you her strong personality was as strong as can be. But her heart was a big as they get.

Since her children were small her children’s friends would call her “Ma Rainey”. Everyone loved Audrey. Her beautiful smile would light up a dark room. Her heart of kindness would warm your heart. Her presence in your life was a gift. She was comforting, loving, sharing, and caring person that would help anyone in need at any time and spare no expense.

Audrey took her first big vacation to Hawaii with her girlfriends. Her second big trip was to Italy where she met the second love of her life, John Frione, better known as Pappa John. They danced many dances together, laughed many laughs together and visited many places together. They will dance again soon. 

She loved to watch baseball and as a fan of the Boston Red Sox. Her favorite part of the season was when she could find a world series gambling squares to get a bet in for the game. Football was also an excuse for her to find a Superbowl gambling square and put her bet down. She would sit for hours until the last second of the games. Of course, she won several times.

She joined the Red Society Club which was another adventure of Audrey’s life. She would dress up in purple and red clothing wearing a red hat. The club would go to showings. The showings could be any event that that were requested and booked to attend. When Audrey turned 75, they were booked to attend a birthday party. Audrey was excited because it was being held at her church, Christ Episcopal. The ladies walked in waving the princess wave. Audrey’s favorite dance band was there. They started to sing "Happy Birthday" to the guest of honor. When they got to the part of the song of who’s birthday it was, everyone sang “Happy Birthday to Audrey”, she gasped, looked around the room and realized she knew everyone there. And said, “They said my name. This is for me?" and her hands covered her face in surprise. The surprise was a success. She was so honored happy.

Today take away every tear you may shed and replace each tear with a happy comforting memory of Audrey. She was great, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and friend.

Audrey would sing everywhere she went. She sang up to the last days of her life. Those of you that visited Audrey will remember her singing “take me out to the ball game”. In your future when you hear the song, know that Audrey is by your side.

A Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. in Christ Episcopal Church, 2000 Main St., Stratford. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, 885 Boston Avenue, Bridgeport. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday morning from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.