Audrey Vail Jessup

March 17, 1933 – May 18, 2021

Audrey Vail Jessup, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 18, in Palm Springs, California.

Audrey was born in Long Beach, California, on March 17, 1933. Her parents were Dr. Herbert H. Vail and Vivian Niell Vail.

Audrey grew up in Long Beach and attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School. She then went on to study at the University of Southern California, where she earned a degree in business and was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. She was part of the first graduating class of women at USC in the business school. Audrey also worked as a model while a student at USC.

After graduation Audrey spent a year in Hawaii, and upon her return, she was employed at companies working in marketing and communications. Her last position was with Gulf and Western West Coast Operation Headquarters at Catalina Swimwear, where she spent 12 years before retiring.

In 1985, Audrey married Walter Edgar Jessup Jr., a founding partner of Ervin, Cohen & Jessup Law Firm. They spent many happy years traveling extensively worldwide and bare-boat chartering in the Caribbean. They shared a passion for sailing and a love of the sea.

They also traveled to most states in the USA, and enjoyed numerous cruises with many dear friends and family. They resided together in Pacific Palisades, often hosting and entertaining guests or walking around the neighborhood every morning.

Audrey devoted many hours selflessly volunteering on the boards of many charities. Benefactors included the Virginia Robinson Gardens, STARS, The League for Children, the Center Theater Group of LA and Childhelp USA.

Her special interest was the ARCS Los Angeles Founder Chapter, advancing higher education with the sciences for primarily Ph.D. student candidates. She was recognized in 2015 with the ARCS Light Award for her dedication and work.

Audrey was also an active volunteer working weekly at St. John’s hospital in Santa Monica as a member of the Irene Dunne Guild. When time permitted in her busy schedule, she indulged in her ardent interest in the game of bridge and played as regularly as possible.

Audrey will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends. She was known for her energy and social life, and she loved to get dinner or attend events with her loved ones. She had many friends from all age groups and she loved to spend time with them.

Audrey is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, W. Edgar Jessup, Jr.; her stepsons Bryn Jessup and wife Sarah Jessup, and Holden Jessup and wife Adele Khabbaz Jessup; grandchildren Leo, Anna, Alia, and Kian Jessup; sister Ardith Brownsberger; nieces Jennifer Moyers and Cynthia Moyers Stuart; and nephew Michael Moyers, his wife Leigh, and their sons Tyler and Ryan Moyers. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents.

There will be a private family service and burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Long Beach, California. A Celebration of Life was held at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey on Wednesday, June 23, starting at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to one of the charities Audrey devoted her energy and time to in her honor.