Mary Helen Austin

Mary Helen Austin (nee Paschke)

March 30, 1935 a" February 13, 2007

Lifelong resident of West Seattle until last April when she moved to live with her daughter and grandchildren in Bothell. Mary died Tuesday after a short hospitalization. The second of five children, all Seattle natives, she spent childhood summers swimming at Coleman Pool and attended Holy Rosary Grade and High School (loving class of 1953). She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Seattle University in 1957. She met husband Bill Austin while working at Boeing. They married in 1961 and remained in West Seattle. She became a strong and active parishioner and school parent at Holy Rosary and later became involved in the grief ministry, and traveled with the Seniors. After Bill retired in 1990, the two enjoyed trips to Europe and the East coast. After his death in 1993 Mary took up genealogy and traveled to places in the States and Canada finding records and even distant relatives. The family tree she made covered several branches and many generations back. She will be remembered for her loving devotion, endless wisdom, striking humor, and an uncanny gift of the gab.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Helen Rapp, and three lovely grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Michael Austin, Monica Marie, and Meredith Lynne. Also, her brother, Jack Paschke (Inez) and sisters Dolores Carlton (Dennis), Teresa Warrick, and Elizabeth Paschke and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vigil and prayers on Monday evening, Feb 19th at 7pm at the Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home, 3909 SW Alaska Street, and Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday Feb 20 at 10:30am at Holy Rosary, and interment to follow at Holyrood Cemetery.

In lieu of gifts, remembrances can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.