Audrey J. Biemann of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully Feb. 26 at VNA Hospice House, with her family at her side. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Biemann (Daniel Elrod) of Vero Beach, Nancy Cook (Bruce Cook) of Port Orange, Fl., and her grandson, Benjamin Cook of Vero Beach.

Born July 1, 1925 to parents Henry and Jennie Helmken in the Town of Ramapo, New York, Audrey became a telephone operator after graduation from high school. As a telephone operator, Audrey discovered her lifelong joy of travel. Her work took her to Arizona and California. Not long after World War II, she traveled by herself to Germany and other countries in Europe.

She moved to Vero Beach with her husband and parents in 1956, where she remained for the rest of her life. Known for her great sense of humor and a penchant for adventure, she traveled throughout Florida with her daughters and later, her grandson. In 1994 she traveled by herself to watch the winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Another solo trip took her to Mexico to see the Mayan ruins.

Audrey loved animals and encouraged her daughters to rescue and raise all sorts of creatures, from hamsters and guinea pigs to snakes, birds and horses. She enjoyed breeding rare dogs, from Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Ibesian hounds to her award-winning Canaan. She was an active member of the Fort Pierce Kennel Club.

A private family graveside service will be held at Crestlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Audrey Biemann to VNA Hospice and Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.