Audra Dawn Komishke

Born May 19, 1966, with blonde hair and hazel eyes, Audra spent her early years growing up in small town Stettler. In 1976, her parents Ron and Kathy Komishke took a foreign teaching assignment in Lahr Germany with the Department of National Defence (DND); Audra was in grade 6. For three years the family lived on the air force base and travelled extensively through Europe. They returned to Stettler in 1979 for Audra’s grade 9 year. Her life long best friend Pam Taylor (Fenske) was happy to have her back. Audra was a cheerleader, played the flute in the high school band, and went on many ski trips with school and family.

After graduating grade 12 in 1984, the stunningly beautiful Sunshine Girl briefly moved to Edmonton where she broke her back in a near fatal snowmobiling accident. After the crash, Audra was relentless in her rehab; she defied all odds by regaining most of her mobility and making a full recovery. She then went on to college in Lethbridge where she graduated with a recreational rehabilitation diploma. There she met Len Middlemiss, and they were married in 1989. Their daughter Taylor was born in 1991 and son Zane in 1993. Shortly after they moved to Calgary. Audra applied her education and did innovative in-home rehab therapies with children on the Autism spectrum. She divided her time between raising her children, working, and entertaining guests at their home in Oakridge. Cousin Rae-anne Komishke (Landin) and Audra could often be found crafting, sewing, and laughing.

After divorce in 2001, Audra returned to Stettler with Taylor and Zane. She took great pride working with special needs students at Wm. E. Hay Highschool, woodworking with Woodcraft by Dave, Lifeguarding, and assisting passengers on the Alberta Prairie Steam Train. She dearly loved her children and provided for them the best that she could all while wrestling an invisible evil. After leaving Stettler, she lived a few years in Grand Prairie eventually settling in Red Deer around 2010 where she remained.

The last 15 years were incredibly difficult for Audra. She struggled with undiagnosed mental health issues and substance use disorder. These evils were relentless, and despite her stubbornly feisty personality, were no match for her or anyone else that attempted to bear arms. Slowly and painfully the once intelligent, altruistic, and beautiful soul Audra was could no longer be seen. Occasionally you would catch a glimpse of the authentic Audra – the Audra that collected strawberries – the Audra that enjoyed crafting – the Audra that loved her two cats – Audra the mother – and the Audra that wanted to help others before she helped herself. Audra lost the war within on November 17, 2024, at the tender age of 58. While the evil won it also set her free and after war comes peace. Rest in peace Audra, for you do not have to fight the evil any longer.

Audra is survived by her daughter Taylor, son-in-law Brady Austin, and their two children; her brother Brad, sister-in-law Caroline, nieces Danielle, Bailey and Casey and her favourite nephew AJ. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

There will be a celebration of life at the Stettler Lake View cemetery May 24, 2025, at 2 PM.
Please make donations to either:
CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health scholarships
give@casaservices.org
Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women with Addictions
info@aventa.org

• Date : 2024-11-17
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home