It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Police Widow Audrey Muriel Stratford of Chester-le-Street, who died on Thursday 5th January 2023, aged 90 years.
Audrey was the wife of the late Sergeant Joseph Edward (Ted) Stratford, who died in 1998 and served at Chester-le-Street.
Audrey was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and attended Canning Street School, upon leaving she worked at Books Fashions in Newcastle. She met Ted, originally from Halifax, at Oxford Galleries Dance Hall and they married in 1951. They had four children and lived in Chester-le-Street before moving to Durham in the 1970’s.
Whilst Audrey spent much of her time at home looking after their children and later their grandchildren, she worked in the Civil Service for a time and volunteered with the WRVS at Durham Hospital Tea Bar.
She is survived by her daughters, Josephine and Catherine, sons, Stephen and Philip, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren
A family funeral service took place on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at Durham Crematorium.
Our thoughts are with Audrey’s family and friends at this sad time.