Audrey Van-Eaton

Sumter, SC ….. Audrey Van Eaton departed this life on April 21 at age 88. She brightened the life of everyone she met and was an active member of St. Jude’s until Covid restrictions and poor health kept her away.

Audrey was born Audrey Marie Frascella in Trenton, NJ in 1933, one of six children in a Navy family.  While stationed in Memphis, Tennessee, she met her future husband, William Van Eaton, who would go on to join the Air Force.  They married in 1952. 

Audrey travelled the world with Bill, creating – with a good deal of work - homes in Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, Okinawa, and finally, South Carolina, while raising three children: Joseph L. Van Eaton, Lucinda Bingham, and William Michael Van Eaton.  Each home reflected Audrey’s love of people: she became a second Mom to other children in the neighborhood, and happily plied visitors with food, chocolate chip cookies, and conversation.  She loved nothing better than hearing the little details of people’s lives (and she never forgot them).

Audrey loved the beach, swimming, water skiing and dancing.  She was proud of her Italian heritage reflected in her family recipe for spaghetti and meatballs, but especially in her devotion to family and friends, her kindness, generosity, and independence.    

In these last months, many people surprised Audrey by bringing treats such as key lime pie, pickled beets, and Italian cheese, shopping for her, offering rides and checking on her well-being.  Audrey’s family is so thankful for the friendship and caring of friends and neighbors.

Audrey is survived by her children, as well as two siblings, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  We now give thanks to God for a life well-lived and memories of a devoted mother, beloved wife and exceptional friend.

A Funeral Mass will be held on May 9, 2022 at 10 am at St. Jude Catholic Church, 611 West Oakland Ave., Sumter, South Carolina. 

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Audrey Van-Eaton, please visit our floral store.