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Audrey Alice Pittelli Buchert, born on October 13, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA, to Catherine and Joseph Pittelli, passed into eternal life on December 23, 2012, at the age of 92. During WWII she traveled by train from Philadelphia to Tyler, Texas to marry her sweetheart, Anton Frank "Tony" Buchert on June 24, 1944, and began her life as the wife of a career Air Force officer. As such, she and her family had the opportunity to experience many cultures, including Europe and the Far East. She welcomed every new military assignment and taught her children to embrace new experiences with open minds and without prejudice. As a child of the depression she learned the value of hard work, frugality and honesty and instilled those values in her children. She was a living example of faith and love of humankind. Her father was a music teacher and played the clarinet in the John Philip Sousa marching band. She loved opera, and had a beautiful singing voice, which delighted her children at bed time. She studied in the Sogetsu school of Ikebana and was awarded a master's certificate there. For thirty years she was active in the San Antonio Conservation Society, serving twice as Treasurer of NIOSA. She was a community volunteer for many many years, helping to organize worthy charitable causes and working at city polling stations during elections. She was first and foremost, a mother. She made her home a safe haven for her husband and children and no matter where her husband was in the world, nothing made him happier than coming home to her. Beloved mother, wife, and friend her sweet disposition and gentle ways endeared her to all who knew her. In life, she delighted everyone with her quick wit and sense of humor. Her faith in God sustained her through a mighty battle with breast cancer in 1976 and the loss of her husband, Tony, in 2004. She loved her children fiercely and was a source of wisdom and comfort to them and to her grandchildren throughout her life. Her noble strength, loving ways, and gracious, gentle kindness influenced others for good and will be part of the wonderful legacy she leaves. She is survived by her three children, Toni L. Greece, Audrey A. "Dickie" O'Banion Melbourne, and Scott A. Buchert; four grandchildren, Marc Greece, Michelle Bahjat Sib , Leslie O'Banion and Melbourne O'Banion III Jamie, and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers, Robert Pittelli and George Buchhalter. Burial will be in the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with a graveside service to be held on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North will be on Thursday, January 3, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. We extend sincere thanks to Vitas Hospice Care for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family requests a charitable donation be made in Audrey's name to Doctors without Borders.

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Audrey Alice Buchert

October 13, 1920 - December 23, 2012