Obituary of Audrey Ann Casiraghi

Audrey (Dawee) Ann Casiraghi age 63, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family and friends on March 15, 2021. It would be wrong to say that Audrey lost her battle with cancer because she never stopped fighting. Most people, up until very recently, didn't even know she was sick, even though she’d been through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. She always had a positive outlook. She always cared more for everybody else first. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Audrey; grace and love won, not cancer.
Audrey was born on July 2, 1957 in Aliquippa PA. She was often teased later in life for her childhood imagination of playing with parcheesi pawns that she turned into her “little people” in the place of dolls. She made many memories with her childhood friend, Joyce Jones, to include their teenage years chasing down famous celebrities such as Donny Osmond, Elton John and David Cassidy! Her mother, Ann Frank, was the sweetest mother she could have asked for. And her father, Arbeno Frank was a strong, loving figure who she played board games with on Sundays. Little Dawee was the baby of the family, with her siblings being 7 and 11 years older than her. Her family knew she was the “baby” of the family even as a grown adult!
In 1978, Dawee relocated to Tucson, AZ along with her parents, her sister, brother, aunt and their families. There was no family closer than this unit! Many weekends were spent together in someone’s kitchen with lots of coffee, laughter and games! Many a cousin would tell the story of these late nights half asleep on the couch waiting for these gatherings to conclude! Dawee worked at 7-Eleven where she met the love of her life, Gilbert Casiraghi. He would stop by on his way to work at the Florence prison, and a special love that would last a lifetime transpired! They shared many sweet love notes up until they married in July of 1980. They planned to have multiple children, but were blessed with one lovely daughter, Melissa (Missy) who they selflessly devoted their entire life to. Dawee and Gil also touched many other children and family member’s lives as they welcomed them into their home through out the years giving their love, acceptance and guidance. To know Dawee was to know genuine love. Later in life Audrey worked for and retired from American Airlines. During retirement she worked for Oro Valley transportation until she quit to care for her husband during his battle with cancer.
Dawee was a devoted and loving mother of Melissa Mindoro. She was very proud of her family and was excited to become an “Amma" to her 3 grandchildren, Kai (10), Noa (8), and Arlee (4) Mindoro. Audrey loved celebrations and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with her family and grandchildren was important to her. She rarely missed an event involving her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them on the baseball field the most. Dawee adored her son in law, Markus Mindoro, who always lent a helping hand and made her laugh.
Dawee was the beloved sister of Tony (Patricia) Frank who live in FL, and Arlene “Chip” (Charles) Loyash who preceded her in death. A best friend to a wonderful sister in law, Dianne Frank. Dearest aunt to many nieces and nephews. Audrey was known for her feisty, yet good sense of humor. Her spirited personality was contagious to everyone she met. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
There will be a memorial service held in memory of Audrey (Dawee) at Adair Funeral Home at 8090 N. Northern Ave on Friday, March 26th at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating the life of this fabulous woman after the service at Cyndie & Michael Mcarthy’s home at 8715 N Newport Place.