Audrey Hamblen Gira, 90, formerly of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2013 with her loving husband of 67 years, Paul at her side. She is also survived by two daughters, Paula Shoemaker (Jim) of Rancho Palos Verde, CA, and Nancy Miller (Jeff) of Mechanicsville, VA, 5 grandchildren, and a sister, Barbara Young of Silver Spring, MD. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethelyn Bragdon Hamblen, father, Brig. Gen Archelaus Lewis Hamblen, and brother Brig. Gen Archelaus Lewis Hamblen, Jr.
Audrey was born in the territory of Hawaii in a military family. Because of her father’s military assignments, the family lived in several different states throughout Audrey’s formative years. She received her Bachelors degree from the University of Maryland and went on to work for the Library of Congress and the Red Cross. She was also an accomplished pianist and horsewoman. She once led her daughter Paula’s horse mounted Girl Scout troop, which often traveled rugged terrain. Audrey’s hobbies included golf, bridge, and crossword puzzles. She served as president of the ladies’ golf auxiliary and volunteered at the historical society of Santa Barbara. She had an adventuresome spirit, having once joined a sports car club in order to tour Europe.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be sent to Paul Gira at 12401 Gayton Rd., Apt. 446, Richmond, VA 23238.
