Audrey Shirley Hecht

Audrey Shirley Hecht, age 94, of Yonkers, New York, and a proud, lifelong native Bronxite, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026.

Born on January 23, 1932, in the Bronx to Benjamin and Lillian Rosenberg, Audrey lived a life defined by a fierce devotion to her loved ones, boundless energy, and an unquenchable desire to experience everything life had to offer. What truly defined Audrey, however, was her passion for sharing those experiences with others-whether they were family, friends, co-workers, or strangers.

To know Audrey was to love life itself, experienced through the eyes of a perpetually youthful soul. As a child of the Great Depression and World War II, she developed a grounded perspective on what life could offer to those who were motivated. No matter the circumstances, nothing could stop her from finding the positive and amplifying that joy for everyone around her. She served as the matriarch of her family, quietly taking on multiple roles to guide, protect, and enrich the lives of each generation.

Audrey's greatest pride and deepest joy were her children and grandchildren. As the heart and anchor of her family, she is survived by her loving children, Bart and Alisa; her adored grandchildren, Lee and Ethan; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and the love of her life, Joseph, with whom she is now inseparably reunited.

Audrey taught her family the importance of kindness, resilience, and optimism. Her bright spirit, infectious smile, and unwavering positive outlook will live on in all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home (21 West Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY) on Thursday, September 10th at 12:00 PM EST, followed by interment at Sharon Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal significance.

May her memory be a blessing (Zichrona l'vracha)