Audrey Patricia Hollingsworth

Audrey Patricia Hollingsworth, a devoted educator, beloved mother and woman of deep love, was called to the Lord on March 11, 2026. A 59-year resident of Edgewood, Washington, she was 84 years old and lived a life defined by service to her family, her community, and the countless students she inspired over more than five decades in the Sumner School District.

Audrey was born on June 27, 1941, in Los Angeles, CA, to Norman and Rita (Gould) Young. She is survived by her three sons and their wives Kevin (Lori), Terrence (Kwan), and Cristopher (Leslie), eight grandchildren and her cousin David Young. Her husband of 50-plus years (Dewey “Duke”) preceded Audrey by joining our Lord in December 2023.

Growing up in Los Angeles, CA, Audrey enjoyed the sunny Southern California lifestyle and could often be found at the beach and the ice rink as she enjoyed ice skating during her younger years.

It was shortly after High School as she was initially attending UCLA that she met Dewey “Duke” Hollingsworth who was in Southern California working for his brother Bill. Duke and Audrey married on November 19, 1960, in Southern California. Shortly afterwards they moved to Seattle, WA so Duke could finish his degree at Pacific Lutheran University in banking and start a career at a Peoples Bank. Between 1962 and 1966 the couple welcomed three sons to their family (Kevin, Terrence, and Cristopher).

As she maintained her role as full time mom to three rambunctious boys, Audrey studied long hours at Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Washington to earn her teaching degree and eventually a master’s degree in Librarian and Information Sciences. Starting as a part time substitute teacher she eventually landed a full-time teaching role with the Sumner School District. Over the next 50+ years she worked as an educator, IT specialist and master librarian for the district and went on to be one of the five longest-serving employees in the district's history.

She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Washington State Distinguished Educator Award, recognizing her lifelong commitment to literacy, innovation, and student growth. Her love for education and growth was not only personal, but she also shared it with all the students she touched and inspired them to always be learning as a shining example.

Throughout her life, Audrey was a spirited explorer and adventurer who was unafraid to take on the opportunities and challenges of life. As a young woman with roots in the Southern California lifestyle, she adapted and embraced her love of the Pacific Northwest. Many fond family memories took place outdoors; especially during the annual summer vacation events of packing up the kids into the station wagon (later the Jeep). Audrey will always be known as the rattlesnake whisperer for her ability to seek and find the elusive creatures during trips to Eastern Washington.

Her life was one of always loving and giving love to all of those she touched; personally, and professionally.

"She opened the doors of knowledge and lit the lamps of curiosity, guiding countless minds to worlds beyond the page. Her legacy lives on in every story shared, every question asked, and every life she inspired.” - Kettering “Lady of the Lamp” (Florence Nightingale) a poetic summary

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Puyallup (720 West Main, Puyallup, WA 98371). Memorials may be directed to the scholarship program for the Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Foundation (SBLEF).

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25