Audrey C. "Ms. Love" Love

UTICA - Audrey C. “Ms. Love” Love, age 68, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 3, 2023 in the comfort and dignity of her home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Utica on October 1, 1955, Audrey was the cherished daughter of Marion E. (Hill) Love and the late China Love, Sr. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1974 and furthered her studies at the Utica School of Commerce where she received a degree in business. At one time she shared in a relationship with Cecil D. Franklin and from their time together came the blessing of their daughter, Charmaine. She also spent 18 loving years in a relationship with John “Papa John” Roberts prior to his passing in 2014. Audrey held various clerical roles throughout Utica, but her most beloved occupation was being a school bus driver. Serving as a driver for over three decades, she found joy and purpose in ensuring the safe travels of countless children for Laidlaw, Birnie Bus Service, First Student, the Utica City School District, and most recently, Durham School Services. Her devotion to her work and students was unwavering, as she worked up until her illness and still maintained hope to return to her duties. Audrey, most known affectionately as "Ms. Love" loved her name and ensured you “put some respect on it”. She was a "tell it like it is" type of person. The life of the party, she would be the first to hit any dance floor and show off her moves. She genuinely lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment of it. If you ever needed to find her you knew there were a few places to look: the fish creek, the slot machines, the bingo hall, or the bowling alley. At one time, she belonged to a bowling league and was an avid bowler, winning many trophies over the years. Bingo was always a love of hers and a tradition she shared with her grandmother, Pearl. She even operated and coordinated her very own bingo bus to the Turning Stone Casino. In the summers you could be assured she would be up bright and early headed to her favorite fishing spots, whether with friends or family or by herself. Nothing stopped her from doing what she loved. She enjoyed traveling, especially casino bus trips to Seneca Falls, Atlantic City, and Foxwoods. She just loved the sounds of the slot machines! She truly had no regrets in life and played by her own rules. A woman of deep spirituality, Audrey cherished her connection with God. She is survived by her one and only devoted and loving daughter, Charmaine M. (Franklin) Rosado and her husband Edwin; her adored grandsons, James, and Deven Watkins; her loving mother, Marion E. Love; sisters and brother-in-law, Denise Love, Chinarene Jackson, and Charlene and Fabian Rivera; and her baby brother, China Love, Jr. and Michele Haggerty with whom she shared a loving relationship. She was preceded by her brother, Herbert Jones. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Joseph, Cheryl, Reinita, Fabian, Eddie, LaChina, Denise, Wayne, and Jonathan; many great-nieces and great-nephews; aunt, Doreen Lacy; many cousins, especially noting her favorite cousins, Crystal Lanaux, Tony Grant, and Jay Lanaux; and some truly loyal and special friends, whom she loved as sisters, Sheila Billins, Rosie Barron, and Dolores Workman. Audrey's life was further enriched by her special friend, Elaine Neal, who preceded her. She also leaves behind her “adopted” children, Yanire Nunez, Dayna Goodwin, Travis Marshall, Jose LeEntra, and Tyrese Lyles; and her honorary grandchildren, Regina Anderson, Aujanea Lawson, Nevaeh Lawson, and Evelyn Watkins. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her physician, Dr. Julie Betro-Shkane, for her care and compassion, and to physician assistant Carolyn Smith for her professionalism. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Audrey’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Audrey C. "Ms. Love" Love

October 1, 1955 - November 3, 2023