An Appreciation:AUDREY FAVIER, who died on Christmas Day 2010, was a native of Glenflesk, Co Kerry, and for the past 14 years lived in an apartment at Kerry Cheshire, Killarney. Born on June 19th, 1973, Audrey suffered from quadriplegic cerebral palsy and was confined to a wheelchair. At the age of 12, she crossed the county bounds to attend the School of the Divine Child at Ballintemple, Cork, and while there she resided with the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles at Ardfoyle for seven years, returning home to Glenflesk for weekends and holidays. An early indication of her belief that self-education was better than the formalities of the classroom was her "success" in spending several periods in the corridor where she found life much more interesting!
She was a resident at St Lawrence Cheshire Homes, Cork, for four years before moving to her newly-constructed apartment in Killarney.
During her time in Cork she strayed a little from her roots – she declared herself a Cork person and a staunch supporter of the red and white. Despite threats of being disowned in Glenflesk, she could not be persuaded to change her allegiance.
Despite being unable to speak or walk, Audrey became a familiar figure in Killarney – on the streets by day and night, in all kinds of weather, and especially in premises characterised by loud music and dim lights. With the support of her trusted PAs, her family, Kerry Cheshire staff, the local security personnel and her own circle of friends, Audrey was enabled to transcend her physical disabilities. In return she gained their confidence and they were often rewarded with astute advice.
Intellectually, emotionally and socially she was well adjusted.
Audrey succeeded in mastering many forms of electronic communication techniques without the use of her arms – much to the amazement of her tutors. First it was the fax message, sometimes replete with expletives not recommended for sensitive souls. In later years she made full use of text messages, again brutally brief at times! It has been noted that she took perverse pleasure at seeing the shocked reaction of bystanders.
While it was obvious that Audrey was severely physically challenged, what was not so obvious was that she was strong-willed and determined, bordering on the stubborn – she knew exactly what she wanted and would not settle for less. To communicate her needs was a problem at first: there were tears, frustration, patience in abundance, more tears and finally happiness when the often simple request was recognised.
Communication was by means of that unique eye-contact. Over the years, with patience, determination and eye-contact, communication was not a problem – a marvel to behold. Audrey had a thousand facial and visual expressions, each of which she deployed strategically to convey a deeper meaning. Through the appropriate expression she inveigled her way into venues of entertainment whether sporting or musical.
Her reaction invariably was an infectious laugh. Audrey lived a very full life and travelled to Lourdes, Paris, the Canaries and Lanzarotti. She followed Westlife by plane to Belfast, a couple of times to Croke Park and to Millstreet, Cork. She was booked for Boyzone in March.
Audrey never had to create any challenge or think up new challenges. Her entire life was a challenge, but one that made her who she was. She was given a few extra dollops of patience and perseverance by her maker. She could have chosen to leave these in reserve, but she didn’t. She used every unit of these two gifts to the maximum. Her fuel light often went to red but she kept finding more. She had to overcome fear – fear of not being heard because of her disabilities, fear of not being noticed, fear of not living the way she knew she could. Audrey imparted a realisation that challenges need not be created, challenges will be donated free of charge. She received a windfall – and overcame them.
She is survived by her parents Pat and Dympna, brothers Fergal and Enda, and sister Aoife.
– PF