Audrey M. Sarner

Bronx-born Audrey M. (Miran) Sarner, age 92, of Upper St. Clair, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17, 2023. Adored wife of the late Edward D. Sarner; loving mother of Randy (late James H. McCullers, Jr.) Sarner, chosen daughter Audra O'Brian, and the late Daniel and Matthew Sarner; cherished grandmother of Samuel A. (Gretchen) Lutz and Jennifer E. Lutz; step-grandmother of Michelle (Dr. Thomas R. Easley) Lanier and Leah Celeste McCullers; great-grandmother of Eden Segbefia and Royah Kalise McCullers; sister of the late Leona (Bernie) Rothman; also survived by Alvin (Leslie) Lutz, her beloved cat Missy, nieces, nephews and friends. Audrey Sarner created and loved the life she lived. A double graduate of Hunter College with a Master of Science in Education, she was the sort of woman who could win New York Man of the Year award (she did) and fall off the stage during her acceptance speech. Her brazen independence was matched only by her lifelong love for her husband Eddie Sarner and the family they built together. Her sharp intellect was matched by her deep dedication to community, exemplified by her career as an educator, counselor, and leader in New York’s battle to save families from the trauma of drug abuse, developing and chairing The New York Coalition of SPINS. Audrey understood people and she was an example of asking forgiveness over permission (although she seldom asked forgiveness). When Audrey saw children shooting up outside her school building in Jamaica, Queens, she created a new approach to drug prevention — bringing counseling (especially group counseling) to the schools. During Audrey’s celebrated career she was awarded: New York Man of the Year; Supervisor of the Year, New York District 26 Drug Prevention and Intervention Program; Excellence of Service, State of New York, Division of Substance Abuse; Excellence in Leadership, Director of The Lee Goldman Center; Chairperson of Year, The New York City Coalition of SPINS. Audrey wasn't just loved, she was admired — showcased by her Award of Gratitude for her work as Secretary for the Coalition of Directors of N.Y.C. School Based Drug Prevention Programs. Audrey Sarner made her community and the world better; she lived in a way that gave others the strength to build their own life and the love to live with purpose. She let you know that mistakes were okay — if you held your head high and fixed them. Three things Audrey always said: “love your job,” “choose the right man,” and “have fun.” Above all, Audrey knew how to celebrate, and what a life to celebrate. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 19 at 1 p.m. at the GRIFFITH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5636 Brownsville Road, (at 6th St.) South Park Twp. (412) 655-4600. Condolences may be offered for the family at www.GriffithFH.com

Audrey M. Sarner

March 17, 1931 - July 17, 2023