On September 8, 2020, Thomas Jefferson lost one of our own. 15-year-old Audrey Pearey suddenly passed away due to a brain aneurysm. She left behind her mother, father, and three younger siblings. 

“Audrey brought a lot more smiles than tears,” said her father, Brian Pearey. “She was a great young lady; a blessing. She was a very quiet and private person, a lot like me. I see a lot of me in her. Very smart, beautiful, and carefree. We all have someone we never think about losing. Her short life made the biggest difference in mine. I’m going to miss you, Audrey. I’ll think of you everyday.”

Audrey Faith Pearey had a love for many things, as any young girl would. She had dreams she wanted to follow and goals she wanted to achieve. “Give those hugs and say ‘I love you’ more often, because tomorrow is never promised,” said her father.

“I know that she touched the lives of several students and staff members who spent time with her,” said TJ Principal, Dr. Dania Freudenburg.

“I would encourage students or staff who are grieving to reach out to talk with someone. Losing someone, especially someone so young, is tragic and so difficult. Our counseling department is available to talk or to listen at any time.”

Her father described that Audrey’s middle name was Faith, named after entertainer Faith Hill, who became one of Audrey’s favorites. Audrey was a very cheerful girl. One of her goals was to get a smile out of everyone. She loved knowing that she was able to make other people’s day brighter.

He continued that Audrey spent a lot of her time writing stories. She had an extraordinary imagination and loved putting those thoughts on paper in the form of stories. She also enjoyed reading and listening to music.  She wanted to be a zookeeper. She had the ability to be whatever she wanted to be.  

“I feel Audrey everywhere I go. I just know she is at peace and watching over us. If I could have one more day with her, that would be the best day ever.”

Audrey’s visitation is October 3, 2020 from 1pm to 3pm at Cutler O’Niell Funeral Home in Council Bluffs. Friends and family of Audrey are welcome.