Audrey Gladys Yundzel (née Bennett), 97 and 11 months, passed away peacefully Oct. 7, 2026, at Arnold Walter Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hazlet.
Audrey was born Nov. 6, 1928, in Long Branch, a daughter of the late John and Gladys Bennett. She was raised in Port Monmouth and carried throughout her life the values of family and friends, strength and resilience, kindness, gratitude and grace instilled in her from an early age. These qualities remained central to who she was and showed in how she approached each day.
She graduated from Leonardo High School in Middletown. She attended Anderson College in South Carolina. She worked for the Hospital Service Plan in Newark.
She met her beloved husband Leonard “Leo” Yundzel at a dance and they were married May 24, 1958, in the New Monmouth Baptist Church in Middletown. She and Leo lived in Rutherford, then moved to Parlin, where they lived for 42 years, raising a family and building a life together. In 2002, they retired to Holiday City South in Toms River, where they enjoyed their late golden years together.
Following her husband’s passing in 2010, Audrey returned to Monmouth County to be closer to her daughter Susan. She resided at Luftman Towers senior apartments in Lincroft for many years.
Audrey was a devoted wife of 52 years, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by her caring and devoted daughter, Susan Nothstein, and son-in-law Daniel Nothstein of Hazlet; cherished beloved granddaughter Ivanna Nothstein of Roy, Washington; son Len Yundzel and his wife Joanne of Mission Viejo, California; brother-in-law Sam Yundzel; sister-in-law Barbara Wytanis; and several nieces and nephews.
Audrey loved keeping busy and found happiness in simple pleasures and creative pursuits. She especially enjoyed ceramics, crafts and painting, and took great pride in what she created. She enjoyed playing bingo and board games, going to weekly Zumba and exercise classes, strolling on the Jersey boardwalks, playing arcade games, eating a hot dog, and swimming. She enjoyed going out weekly for breakfast with her son-in-law Daniel. She enjoyed going shopping, especially at Boscov’s and the Dollar Store, and going to garage sales and craft shows. She loved going out to eat at diners and restaurants with her daughter Susan and friends, where she always enjoyed ice cream, pudding, pie or cake for dessert.
Audrey enjoyed traveling with her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter Ivanna, visiting Niagara Falls yearly, the Thousand Islands, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains, New England and the South. Audrey also enjoyed taking an Alaskan cruise, a trip to Hawaii and California with her son Len and his wife.
Audrey treasured her family deeply, and her greatest joy came from spending time with them enjoying life’s many special moments and adventures. She enjoyed taking car rides, loved cats, always liked wearing her jewelry and dressing fashionably, and carrying her handbag. She enjoyed listening to religious music; among her favorites were “Amazing Grace” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” She loved her chocolate and sweets.
Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Leonard Yundzel; her sister, Beatrice Stromenger-Myers; her brothers-in-law, Robert Yundzel, Paul Yundzel and Michael Wytanis; sister-in-law Teresa Moles; and nephew Michael Wytanis Jr.
Audrey will be remembered for her loving, caring and sweet nature, her kindness, strength, style and grace with which she lived her life. She had a gentle presence and a generous heart, always had a smile to share and she brought joy to her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed.
Friends and family were invited to pay their respects Oct. 13 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals, Belford. A private burial next to her husband at Bay View Cemetery in Leonardo was held Oct. 14. A celebration of her life will be planned at a future date.
The article originally appeared in the October 15 – 21, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
