Obituary for Audrey A. Bostwick
It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of Audrey Ann Bostwick of Perkasie, Pennsylvania on January 13, 2022.
Born in Philadelphia on November 5, 1930, she was the daughter of the late James and Margaret (Bacon) Bostwick.
Audrey leaves behind her dear friend and companion, Elaine Kendig, her goddaughter Melinda DeCesare, and her close friend and mentee, Katie Kashner, as well as countless students and community members she influenced in her lifetime.
Growing up in Mount Airy, Pennsylvania, Audrey graduated from The Stevens School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and Master’s of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. Audrey’s early careers included nursery school teacher, social worker, and positions within educational program research and development.
An avid horsewoman and humanitarian, Audrey leaves behind a notable legacy. She started riding at the age of five and spent her early life riding and driving in Wissahickon Park. Her lifelong passion for all things equestrian led to her many accomplishments and affiliations. Audrey participated as a competitor, instructor, and clinician in many disciplines including hunter/jumpers and equitation, side saddle, and carriage driving.
Audrey was a licensed judge, steward, and technical delegate specializing in pleasure driving (The American Driving Society, Inc., United States Equestrian Federation, and American Horse Show Association, Inc.), Hunter/Jumper and Equitation (AHSA), as well as Side Saddle (International Side Saddle Organization). Audrey was a founding member of The American Driving Society, Inc. and served in various roles within the organization.
Audrey’s specialty in pleasure driving gained her participation and coaching opportunities at notable competitions throughout the United States, Canada, and England. As one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the pleasure driving community, she leaves behind a network of those brought together by her endearing personality.
Her commitment to education was evident in her efforts with The American Driving Society and Delaware Valley University. Audrey taught at Delaware Valley University as an adjunct instructor in the Equine Science & Management program for nearly twenty years. In this position, she was a mentor and friend to countless students, sharing her passion for carriage driving, side saddle, and intercollegiate riding.
Audrey especially enjoyed her time spent at her home farm in Perkasie with her beloved ponies and dogs. An avid reader and book club member, she studied tree species, historical barns, and bird watching. Audrey never missed the opportunity for writing thank-you notes and handwritten letters. Anyone who spent time with Audrey knew of her sweet tooth and her penchant for ice cream and desserts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Audrey to the Delaware Valley University Equine Department and/or The American Driving Society, Inc.
Audrey was instrumental in her contributions to the equine programs at Delaware Valley University. She taught, mentored, and employed countless students over the years. Donations in Audrey’s name will benefit the students, horses, and programs. Donations with Audrey’s name can be sent to:
Delaware Valley University
Office of Development
700 E Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA 18901
Audrey was passionate about the art of carriage driving and actively participated in the governance and direction of the sport for 47 years. Donations in Audrey’s name to the American Driving Society, Inc. will help to promote the sport of carriage driving. Donations with Audrey’s name can be made at americandrivingsociety.org or sent to:
ADS
PO Box 278
Cross Plains, WI 53528
Born in Philadelphia on November 5, 1930, she was the daughter of the late James and Margaret (Bacon) Bostwick.
Audrey leaves behind her dear friend and companion, Elaine Kendig, her goddaughter Melinda DeCesare, and her close friend and mentee, Katie Kashner, as well as countless students and community members she influenced in her lifetime.
Growing up in Mount Airy, Pennsylvania, Audrey graduated from The Stevens School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and Master’s of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. Audrey’s early careers included nursery school teacher, social worker, and positions within educational program research and development.
An avid horsewoman and humanitarian, Audrey leaves behind a notable legacy. She started riding at the age of five and spent her early life riding and driving in Wissahickon Park. Her lifelong passion for all things equestrian led to her many accomplishments and affiliations. Audrey participated as a competitor, instructor, and clinician in many disciplines including hunter/jumpers and equitation, side saddle, and carriage driving.
Audrey was a licensed judge, steward, and technical delegate specializing in pleasure driving (The American Driving Society, Inc., United States Equestrian Federation, and American Horse Show Association, Inc.), Hunter/Jumper and Equitation (AHSA), as well as Side Saddle (International Side Saddle Organization). Audrey was a founding member of The American Driving Society, Inc. and served in various roles within the organization.
Audrey’s specialty in pleasure driving gained her participation and coaching opportunities at notable competitions throughout the United States, Canada, and England. As one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the pleasure driving community, she leaves behind a network of those brought together by her endearing personality.
Her commitment to education was evident in her efforts with The American Driving Society and Delaware Valley University. Audrey taught at Delaware Valley University as an adjunct instructor in the Equine Science & Management program for nearly twenty years. In this position, she was a mentor and friend to countless students, sharing her passion for carriage driving, side saddle, and intercollegiate riding.
Audrey especially enjoyed her time spent at her home farm in Perkasie with her beloved ponies and dogs. An avid reader and book club member, she studied tree species, historical barns, and bird watching. Audrey never missed the opportunity for writing thank-you notes and handwritten letters. Anyone who spent time with Audrey knew of her sweet tooth and her penchant for ice cream and desserts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Audrey to the Delaware Valley University Equine Department and/or The American Driving Society, Inc.
Audrey was instrumental in her contributions to the equine programs at Delaware Valley University. She taught, mentored, and employed countless students over the years. Donations in Audrey’s name will benefit the students, horses, and programs. Donations with Audrey’s name can be sent to:
Delaware Valley University
Office of Development
700 E Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA 18901
Audrey was passionate about the art of carriage driving and actively participated in the governance and direction of the sport for 47 years. Donations in Audrey’s name to the American Driving Society, Inc. will help to promote the sport of carriage driving. Donations with Audrey’s name can be made at americandrivingsociety.org or sent to:
ADS
PO Box 278
Cross Plains, WI 53528