Mary B. Austin
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Mary B. Austin, 95, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2020. She was born on July 17, 1925 in Harrison, NE to the late Harry and Amanda (Crabtree) Briggs. Mary married Arthur Lawrence Austin, on November 2, 1946 in Barryville, NY. He preceded her in death on May 17, 1991.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Louise (Gary) Smith of Cave Creek, AZ; Carol Austin of Mesa, AZ; and Mary M. Austin of Carvel Beach, MD; son, Charles (Monica) Austin of Niles, MI; nine grandchildren; thirteen (and two more on the way) great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sisters, Laura Brink and Mildred Luffburrow; and brother, John Briggs.
Mary worked as a registered nurse in the Cadet Nurse Corp at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, during WWII. After marrying her loving husband, Arthur, Mary stayed home to raise and care for their four children. She shared her love of music and art, but most important to her was her devotion to the Lord. Through her life example and love of the scripture, she instilled in her children the importance of the scriptures and the way to heaven.
Mary was an extremely gifted artist and musician. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, gardening and painting. After losing her husband in 1991, Mary was fiercely independent and took it upon herself to learn many new things. She learned to drive in her 50's, took her first paying job in her 60's, discovered how to use the internet and email in her 70's, mastered her tablet in her 80's, and took to texting, like a fish to water, in her 90's.
A memorial service is being planned for a future date. Private burial of ashes will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Grass Lake, MI. Palmer Funeral Home?Hickey Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.
Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to Youth Haven Hope for Disadvantaged Children, P.O. Box 97, Rives Junction, MI 49277, or donate online at www.youthhaven.org/donate
Online condolences can be left for the Austin family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.