Audrey Bear
Jerseyville | Save
Audrey Joy Bear, 41, of Jerseyville, passed away at 9:15 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2026, at Nexus of Godfrey.
She was born on September 23, 1984, at St. John’s Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur, Missouri, the daughter of Jerry and Jane (Johnson) Platto. Audrey was the first born of a set of triplets, entering the world alongside her sisters, Allison and April, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond throughout her life.
Growing up in Jerseyville, Audrey was deeply involved in her community and in her faith at Peace United Church of Christ. She participated in both a traveling show choir and a liturgical dance group, and excelled in nearly anything she put her mind to, including cheerleading, softball and choir. As brilliant as she was talented, Audrey was a dedicated student, earning a Silver Medallion Award and induction into the National Honor Society. She graduated with the Class of 2003 from Jersey Community High School and received a scholarship to attend Illinois State University in Bloomington, where she majored in Business Management.
Following college, Audrey returned home to Jerseyville and began building a life with her partner, Zach Bear. The two shared more than 20 years together, experiencing life and its many adventures side by side.
Professionally, Audrey initially spent many years serving as General Manager of Mulligan’s Bar & Grill. Eventually, however, she felt called toward work that would allow her to care for and help others, and in senior healthcare, Audrey found her true passion.
She began that chapter of her career as Admissions Coordinator at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Her dedication and natural ability to connect with people led her through roles as Hospital Liaison and Director of Admissions at LaBella in Edwardsville, ultimately becoming the Central Intake Specialist for LaBella with JenMax Group.
For Audrey, her work was far more than a job. She consistently went out of her way to guide friends and family through late-age or nursing care, making certain they had the support, compassion and information they needed to navigate delicate decisions for their loved ones. She understood how overwhelming those moments could be and had a gift for helping others find their way through them.
Audrey had a magnetic personality and an open heart that naturally drew people in. She was a safe space for those around her, offering warmth without judgment and support without hesitation. A true “girl’s girl” through and through, Audrey grew up surrounded by a tight-knit “pile” of girls who became far more like sisters than friends. She was honest, fiercely loyal and always willing to show up for someone who needed her.
There was also a wonderfully free spirit about Audrey. She had a gypsy soul and created her own path down this road we call life, and she didn’t care who was watching. She was always down for an adventure and had a way of romanticizing the little things in life that others might overlook.
She loved vintage records that sounded just a little scratchy and collected antiques with unique stories behind them. Audrey had a passion for the arts, and her free time was often spent painting, crafting or creating something with her hands. She preferred being anywhere that even resembled a beach, where she could collect seashells and daydream of mermaids.
Audrey also loved browsing thrift stores, “yard-shoppin’,” and never passed up a good bargain. Above all, she adored animals and was the epitome of a Cat-Mom to her beloved babies, Hank and Hazel, who held a very special place in her heart.
To know Audrey was to know a spirit defined by strength, resilience and an incredible heart. She lived authentically, loved deeply and gave freely of herself to the people fortunate enough to share in her life. Her presence on this earth will be deeply missed, but the memories of Audrey, the friendships she nurtured, the people she helped and the love she gave will echo throughout eternity.
She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Jane Platto of Jerseyville; two sisters, Allison Swan (Rob Timmermeier) of Alton and April (Adam) Sheppard of Jerseyville; a brother, Matthew Platto (Barbie) of Yulee, Florida; her nieces and nephews, Austin, Alivia, Rex, Mason, Avery, Lyla, Lane and Levi; her former husband and friend, Zach Bear of Jerseyville; and her beloved cats, Hank and Hazel.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Phillip and Audrey (Cox) Platto, and her maternal grandparents, Richard and Lela (Healey) Johnson.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville, with Rev. Deborah Lawson officiating. Burial will follow at Kane Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to MeowTown in Alton.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
