In Memoriam - Audrey H. Bills
Reprinted from the Times Union
http://www.legacy.com/timesunion-albany/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=760626
Audrey H. Bills, of Menands, died peacefully on January 29, 2003 at St.
Peters Hospice. Her loving husband of 26 years, Nelson, and her family were at
her side. Mrs. Bills, a native of Troy, N.Y., was the daughter of the late Jean
and Henry Hoffman. Audreys 44-year state government career included high level
service with a New York governor, state agency commissioners and state senators.
After graduating from Albany Business College, she began a nine-year term as an
administrative assistant to Deputy Commissioner Al Danzig in the NYS Department
of Motor Vehicles. In 1965, her passion for politics led her to join the
re-election campaign of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. After the Governors
successful re-election to a third term, she was tapped to join the Governor
Appointments office. Audrey was clearly in her element as she employed a
no-nonsense and professional work ethic that earned her the respect and
admiration of everyone in the administration. In 1973, Audrey decided to
experience state agency life and was appointed to work with State Commerce
Commissioner Neal Moylan. In quick order, Audrey fashioned herself into the
Commissioners right hand, setting the tone for those who might follow in her
footsteps. Four years later, eyeing a challenge to really shine with her
organizational skills, Audrey became Commissioner Ogden Brownie Reids right hand
at the Department of Environmental Conservation. In her typical style, she
quickly instilled a professionalism and camaraderie among the staff while never
letting them forget that the Commissioner had the final word. One of Audreys
most memorable tours of duty was her service with State Senator William T.
Cadillac Smith, which began in 1976 and ended when the Senator retired. Over the
years together, they established a close and dedicated working relationship. It
was Audrey who showed all what the term protect your principal really meant.
Senator Guy Velella hired Audrey as his director of operations in 1986 and she
became fondly known as the gatekeeper, or the go to person. Anyone who wanted an
appointment with the Senator first had to see Audrey. Needless to say, Audreys
knowledge of the system and her many years of personal contacts proved
invaluable to the Senator. She was a member of the Republican Women of the
Legislature, Town of Colonie Womens Republican Club and the Town of Colonie
Republican Committee. She received the 2003 Town of Colonie Outstanding
Republican of the year award. Audrey was a member of the University Club of
Albany and board member. She was active in the Executive Womens Golf Association
(EWGA) and was a founding member of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Rally for the Cure Golf Tournament Committee. And then there was Nelson, the
love of her life, who she married in 1976. A late bloomer, by her own admission,
she was fond of saying that shed been waiting a long time for Nels, and he
finally agreed to marry her. Audreys loyalty and compassion for her friends and
her love of life are the things many of us will miss the most. Through the last
six years, Audrey fought each day to overcome her illness. Her positive
attitude, strength and will to live will always be remembered as her true legacy
and shining spirit. In addition to her husband, Nelson, survivors include her
sister, Muriel Levine and husband Robert of Ariz.; two nieces, Lisa Levine of
Albany and Marci Levine of Va.; sisters-in-law, Mary Pat Bills of Fla. and
Joanne Bushnell and husband Thomas of Troy; brothers-in-law, John and Thomas
Bills of Troy. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave.,
Albany, N.Y. on Monday, February 3, 2003 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in
Memorys Garden, Watervliet-Shaker Road, Colonie. A service in celebration of the
life of Audrey Bills will be held at the State Capitol on a later date. In lieu
of flowers, contributions in Audreys memory may be sent to Susan G. Komen
Foundation, Albany Affiliate, 13 Forest Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.