Audrey Louise Sturk

Sturk (Duncanson) Audrey Louise ~ 87, died on Friday, September 25th, 2026, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born on March 18, 1939, she was the youngest daughter of the late Thomas and Lily (Payzant) Duncanson of Dempsey Corner. Audrey received her early education in the Dempsey Corner two room school and her grade 12 from West Kings District High School. She graduated from Normal College in Truro; the Block program in Physical Education at Dalhousie; Acadia University with a BA BEd; Saint Mary’s University with a MEd; and from Mount Saint Vincent University with a MA and Med. From the Mount, Audrey received the Senate’s Medal for the highest Masters’ academic excellence award.

Audrey was the first of two women in Canada to become a National Volleyball official, officiating both men’s and women’s national final matches across Canada and was selected as an official for the Pan American Games in Bogotá. She designed the National Volleyball rules for officials, many of which are still used today. During her 16 years of teaching Physical Education, the Provincial Department of recreation selected her to represent Nova Scotia for several years as a teacher-learner in national volleyball, field hockey, and track and field camps all over Canada. In addition, Audrey was on the Mission Staff for Canada Games in Saskatoon and played a lead role in Eastern Canadian Track and Field competitions. Audrey represented women on the Headmasters’ Athletic Federation and was one of the seven founders of the current Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation. She taught Physical Education at Cornwallis District High, Chester Municipal High, Bridgetown Regional High, West Kings District High and the Nova Scotia Summer School.

The last 19 years of her career found her teaching senior high English at West Kings, retiring in 1993 as English Department Head. During her years of teaching English, she worked with the Department of Education designing a curriculum with Canadian content. In her final year of teaching, the School Board seconded her to determine the needs of English teachers from grades primary to 12 in all Valley schools. Audrey was honoured on the “Wall of Fame” at West Kings and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in Bridgetown. In addition to teaching, she represented the village of Aylesford as it’s Princess in the Apple Blossom Festival; was an executive member of the Bluenose Decorative Artists; a founding member, vice-president, and president of the Annapolis Valley Decorative Artists. On the National level, Audrey was secretary of the Canadian Decorative Artists for five years and elected president in Toronto for a two-year term. She also worked with the horse show segment at the Annapolis Valley Exhibition and Berwick Gala Days for several years. In 2016, Mike Campbell, a former student and president of SCG Industries created an ongoing bursary in her honour for a West Kings graduate; and in 2017, Jason Humphrey, a former student dedicated his first book of poetry to her.

Her greatest love in life was travelling with, and watching, her daughter so successfully show her horses across Canada; watching her grandson succeed in local and provincial sports and his education; and, her granddaughter succeed in sport, education, teaching Yoga, and showing her horses locally, in Maritime shows, and nationally. Since 2016, Audrey found great peace when her entire property was surrounded by Langelaan Farms Inc.

Audrey is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Baltzer; grandchildren, Thomas (Courtney) and Emily (Jamie) Baltzer; great-grandchildren, Brooks and Jane. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Joyce (Cecil) Gates; Beverly (Robert) Wagstaff; Madelyn (Sherman) Ogilvie; Greta (Carl) Archibald; sister-in-law, Doris Duncanson; brothers, Douglas; and Ralph in infancy. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. There will be no visitation nor funeral service. A private burial will take place at a later date in Aylesford Union Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Kings Co. S.P.C.A. or to your favourite charity. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com