Before the sun rose on October 17, 2023, Audrey passed away at Big Sky Senior Living with family by her side. She was 90 years old.
Audrey was born in Butte on June 5, 1933 and joined multiple generations of her Micheletti-Silva family in the tight-knit community of Meaderville where family members lived next door or down the block and neighbor took care of neighbor.
Audrey was a graduate of The Franklin School and Butte High School.
Audrey’s roots were deeply planted in Butte. She had a deep knowledge of Butte-Silver Bow history. And she happily shared this with others.
Audrey was very proud of her hard-working family. She told many stories of working at her Aunt Lydia’s restaurant as a young girl.
Audrey was passionate about the working conditions and fair treatment of the “working person” and the well-being of children.
She worked in multiple fields, including for the United Steelworkers Union, Head Start, and in Bookkeeping.
Audrey married James Leary in 1954, and they had a son, Jay Robert Leary in 1955. They later divorced. She married Thomas D. Hughes in 1971.
Audrey loved bantering conversations, following and discussing politics, having coffee with friends, and telling stories. She was funny, smart, and generous. And she was a woman who was always on the go.
Audrey is preceded in death by her parents James and Mary (Micheletti) Silva; her son, Jay Robert Leary; and her husband, Thomas D. Hughes.
Audrey is survived by her cousins, Dr. James Silva (Linda), David Micheletti, Greg Micheletti (Lois) and their families. She is also survived by her step-daughter Kathy Bartleson (Bert) and their family, and special friends Donna and Allan Shewey.
Services will begin with family receiving friends at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. all at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4201 Continental Drive, Butte, MT. A graveside service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4700 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT. All attendees are then invited to join Audrey’s family for reception following the graveside service at Lydia’s Supper Club, 4915 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT.
If desired, donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Spokane or the Butte Food bank.
The family is grateful for the kind, expert care that was provided by Dr. Yates, and by Big Sky Memory Care and Enhabit Hospice staff.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Audrey.
Axelson Funeral & Cremations is privileged to care for Audrey and her family.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Lydia's Supper Club
4915 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4201 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Lydia's Supper Club
4915 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Share
Ashleigh Preston says
It truly was an honor to care for Audrey these last couple of years. My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy & the Hughes/Silva families. I hope heaven has endless cups of coffee for you Aud. Rest easy, my friend ❤️
Agnes Brekhus says
So sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and was such a good neighbor to our Mother, Jeanette Thompson, when they both lived on Ben Hogan Drive. Mom passed away herself just one month ago in September. May they both rest in peace.
Marlene Bugni Benton says
Audrey and the Silva families were dear friends of our Bugni family. In Meaderville, my parents John and Mary Bugni, were always with Jim and Mary. I have found memories or Audrey and send my deepest sympathy to the Silva and Micheletti families.