Audrey Fay Nicoloff

Audrey Nicoloff, age 85, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024. Born in Caraway, AR on August 5, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Edith Brewer. After moving north to MI when she was a child, Audrey graduated from Watervliet High School with the Class of 1956. Audrey entered the workforce as a telephone operator with the Watervliet Paper Company before moving to Kalamazoo where she became a secretary. Because of her love for design and fashion, she also worked part-time in a clothing store. While out with friends at the famous “Cereal Bowl”, she met her future husband, Clement Nicoloff in 1962. They were married on November 1, 1964, and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. 

Audrey was a “self-taught” interior decorator and floral designer. With her keen sense for design, she was extremely creative, innovative, and gifted. She worked in sales at Witmark and was also their lead designer for all their displays and holiday decor. She also possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and went on to become the owner of a custom framing studio and art gallery for over 20 years. Throughout her life, Audrey helped design and decorate the interior of many homes being remodeled in the area which was something she absolutely loved. Christmas was her “season” and she made everyone’s homes so welcoming and joyous, including her own.  

As a woman of faith, Audrey was an active and valued member in her church, St. Nicholas Orthodox. She always shared her faith in Christianity and became a mentor and Godmother to many others that were seeking to learn more. She sang in the choir and loved the ministry of music. She was an integral part of decorating the church for events and holidays, having made every event special with her unique touch. One of her highlights was to be asked by the Metropolitan of the Antiochian Archdiocese to decorate the newly built Conference Center at the Antiochian Village, along with his headquarters in New York, for which she was truly honored. 

Audrey’s love of the Lord was exemplified in her kindness, joy, generosity, love, peace, gentleness, self-control, patience, faithfulness, smile, and laughter. She truly had a servant’s heart and found joy in serving others. In fact, many sought Audrey for her sound advice and guidance. A friend of many and a stranger to none, she made friends everywhere she went and had a significant impact on the countless lives she touched throughout her life.

Audrey is lovingly survived by her husband, Clem; their two daughters, Mara (John) Benz of Chicago, IL and Nicole Nicoloff of Grand Rapids, MI; her sister, Judie (Roger) Berry of Grand Rapids, MI; brothers and sisters-in-law, Nick (Ellie) Nicoloff, Nikita (MaryAnn) Lopoukhine; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Edith Brewer, and by her parents-in-law, Very Right Revered Father George and Vera Nicoloff; sisters and brother, Icie (and Bud) Richardson, Joy Maddox, and Kenneth Brewer; and by her brother-in-law, Boris Nicoloff.

Audrey’s family will visit with family and friends at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 2-4 and 6-8 PM with a Trisagion Prayer Service at 7:30 PM. The Funeral Service celebrating Audrey’s life will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 11:00 AM with a time of visitation one hour prior at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2250 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 followed by a Meal of Mercy at the church for guests. Private family interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations in Audrey's memory may be directed to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church or www.gofundme.com/manage/support-clem-in-honor-of-audreys-legacy.

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