Audrey Mae Lian

Audrey Mae Lian, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Audrey was born in Warwick, North Dakota on February 7, 1935, the oldest child of Clarence and Minerva McKinnon. She graduated from high school in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

While working as a legal secretary in Minnewaukan, North Dakota, she met Arthur Lian, who was the new social worker in town. They married on September 8th, 1956 at Minnewaukan Lutheran Church. Arthur and Audrey moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where Arthur earned his master’s degree in social work.

Arthur and Audrey raised 4 children: Anita Lian of Canyon Country, California; Jay Lian of Gold Beach, OR; Bradley Lian of Macon, Georgia; and Brian Lian of San Diego, California. In 1966, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. While living in Omaha, Audrey pursued her own education, earning her nursing degree and becoming a registered nurse. She began her nursing career at the VA Hospital.

In 1980, Arthur and Audrey moved to Canyon Country, CA where both continued their careers at the VA Hospital: Audrey as a nurse and Arthur as a social worker.

After a dedicated career caring for others, Audrey retired from nursing in 2000. She joyfully became a full-time grandmother and caregiver for grandchildren, Katie and Jack Larlee in Canyon Country. They shared many experiences and adventures, and she attended every school event and game.

Audrey was patient, kind and supportive of her children, grandchildren and friends. She enjoyed the casino slot machines when she was on vacation. She loved traveling to visit her son Brian, daughter-in-law Silvina, and grandchildren Addison and Bradley in San Diego. She loved their pets, although she never missed an opportunity to tell you that Rocco, the English Mastiff, “is just too big.” She loved attending the wedding of her son Bradley and daughter-in-law Terri in October 2025.

Audrey and Arthur shared 62 years of marriage before Arthur preceded her in death in 2018. Audrey is survived by her daughter, Anita Lian, and grandchildren Katie and Jack Larlee; her son Jay Lian and his children, Jayson Lian and wife Melissa, Ashlee Lian, and Justin Lian, along with great-granddaughters Bailey and Felicity; her son Bradley Lian and his wife, Terri; and her son Brian Lian, his wife, Silvina, and grandchildren Addison and Bradley.

Funeral services will be on Monday, June 29th at 10:00 AM at Amundson Funeral Home with visitation one hour before. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks.