Patricia Arlene Austin, 89, of South Maple Street, Vergennes, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at her home.
Patricia (or “Pat” , ”Moma€“or “Mimi” as she was known to her friends and family) was born on February 8, 1928 in Middlebury, VT, daughter of the late Kenneth and Rena (Whittemore) Murray of East Middlebury, VT. She attended Middlebury schools and was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes. She married Clifford N. Austin of Vergennes on August 23, 1947. Of all of her accomplishments, she was most proud of being a mother. She loved her children and extended family with a devotion that is not commonly seen, always putting their needs before hers. Her family was everything to her and constantly in her thoughts and heart. Her happiest moments were when she was surrounded by those she loved and cared so much about.
Patricia is survived by her loving family: a daughter, Sally Washburn and her husband Harry of Essex, and their children Krista Washburn of Milton and Riann Washburn of Essex; a daughter, Nancy Brown and her husband Rick of Laconia, NH, and children William C. Richards and significant other Kasia Jaskot of Claremont, NH, and Shawn Richards and wife Mary Fenton of Seattle, WA; a son, David Austin of Vergennes and his children Christian Austin, Peter Austin and Claire Austin; a son, Michael Austin of Vergennes; a son-in-law William M. Richards, Jr. of Claremont, NH; two great-granddaughters, Alexis Richards of Claremont, NH and Luna Richards of Seattle, WA, and one great-grandson Arlo Richards of Seattle, WA. Patricia is also survived by her sisters Shirley Dwyer of Bristol, Molly Flagg of Massena, NY and Nancy Abbott of Bristol, and her brother Kenneth Robert Murray of East Middlebury. She will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, family members and special friends.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was predeceased by her husband, Clifford Austin, her sisters Betty Smith and Beverly Duchesne and her brothers Bill Murray, Jim Murray, Jack Murray and Paul Murray.
The family wishes to thank the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, Drs. Donald and Timothy Bicknell, and Addison County Home Health and Hospice for the excellent medical and heartfelt care she received.
Visiting hours will be on Monday, July 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Brown-McClay Funeral Home on South Maple Street in Vergennes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes. Interment will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery following the Mass. Friends may send flowers or donations may be made in Patricia Austin’s memory to the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, PO Box 11, Vergennes, VT 05491. To send online condolences to her family please visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com .