Audrey Zarn Obituary

Audrey Marie Zarn
Died: November 21, 2024
Audrey Marie Zarn, 91, of Downers Grove, Illinois passed away on November 21, 2024. She was loving aunt to Sue Silhanek, cherished mother figure to Peter Hinz, and lifelong friend and neighbor to Tracy Sharp, who was her devoted caregiver for many years. Audrey will be remembered for her tremendous dedication to inspiring a love of learning in her students, and her brilliant mind and breadth of knowledge that drove her ability to carry on passionate, hours-long conversations on any subject.
Audrey grew up in Downers Grove and Lisle. She graduated from Downers Grove North High School and earned a bachelor's degree in education from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in library science. She taught grades 1-9 in Lisle public schools from 1955-1983, encouraging many hundreds of young students to reach their full potential. She is remembered by many of them as their most influential teacher.
Following her teaching career, she worked for many years as an administrative assistant in the DuPage County Mental Health Crisis Unit. She often served as the first contact in the unit for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Audrey was a talented pianist, a skilled seamstress and loved to cook. She was also a devoted, multigenerational Cubs fan, had a passion for classical music and gardening, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a voracious reader, patriotic American, and was proud of her Czech heritage. She loved master level crossword puzzles, which she did in pen.
Audrey was preceded in death by the love of her life, Marvin ("Dick") Zarn, her adoring parents, Anton ("Al") and Marie ("Mae") Silhanek, and brother, Allen Silhanek.
Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7 at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main St. Downers Grove, IL 60515, followed by a memorial service and interment at Clarendon Hills Cemetery, Darien, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, (630) 968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.