Audry Natalie Deutsch Brotherson, age 100, of Erie, passed away peacefully, with her children at her side, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Residence at Presque Isle—just four days after celebrating her centennial birthday.
She was born in Erie on January 10, 1926, a daughter of the late Edward and Susan Gulash Deutsch.
From her earliest years, Audry possessed both intellectual brilliance and artistic grace. A gifted ballet and tap dancer with 13 years of training, she performed throughout all of her school years-earning her a dance apprenticeship in New York City. Her exceptional academic achievements earned her a full scholarship to Allegheny College- a testament to her sharp mind and dedication to excellence. That combination of intellect, artistry, and discipline would define how she moved through life: with elegance, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others.
Audry’s dedication to service found its deepest expression in her work with the Florence Crittenton Home in Erie, where she served as president and remained on the board of directors for over 20 years. In this role, she extended compassion and practical support to young women during some of their most vulnerable moments, embodying her belief that every person deserves dignity and a second chance.
Civically engaged throughout her life, Audry was active in local politics in her earlier years and remained involved in numerous social and community organizations, touching countless lives through her steady presence and genuine interest in others.
But perhaps Audry’s greatest gift was the one she gave most generously: an extraordinary capacity for love and kindness. She was her family’s peacemaker, the one who could see all sides and gently guide toward understanding. She took immense pride in creating and maintaining a stable, loving family—a legacy that will echo through generations. Those who knew her will remember a woman who made everyone feel valued, who chose grace over conflict, and who proved that a life lived with kindness is a life well-lived.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Donald A. Brotherson, her sister Doris Deutsch, and brother E. Thomas Deutsch MD.
She is survived by four children, Donald Lynn Brotherson DPM and significant other, Angie Guffey, Christine Sue Brotherson, Nancy Arden (Brotherson) Biedrzycki and husband Hank and Gary Thomas Brotherson MD and wife Linda (Dibble); grandchildren, Ellie Brotherson VanHouten, Andrew Henry Biedrzycki and wife Lauren (Joens), Christopher Gary Biedrzycki, Spencer Donald Biedrzycki and wife Kelly Lyons, Kristen Brotherson Freedman and husband Chad, Jaclyn Ann Brotherson and husband Jason Meteny and Garrett Don Brotherson and wife Ashley Prischak; eight great grandchildren, Lewis Freedman, Sophia Biedrzycki, Charlotte Brotherson, David Biedrzycki, Audrey Biedrzycki, Lee Freedman, Casey Biedrzycki, and Austin Brotherson; a half brother, George Deutsch and wife MaryFran and their children, Becky and Shelby; and nieces and nephews, Barbara Deutsch, Sherry Ramsay and husband Brian, and Tom Deutsch.
Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 3801 W. 26th Street on Friday, January 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
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