Obituary of Pauline Austin

Austin, Pauline "Polly" NISKAYUNA Pauline "Polly" Elizabeth Austin, 93, a resident of Niskayuna for the past 59 years, passed away Friday morning, July 2, 2010 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home in Albany, after a short illness. Polly was born June 20, 1917 in Normal, Ill., a daughter of the late Leslie and Bertha Stansbury. She was a graduate of Morgan Park High School in Chicago. As a young woman, Polly worked as an accountant for a couple of years, prior to starting a family. She deeply believed family came first and devoted her life to being a wonderful homemaker. A generous woman, Polly gave much of her time to listen to others, which she always did so intently. She was always present to assist family and friends. Whether it was helping her husband as he would snow blow the driveway with the large snowblower, she would use a small shovel and work beside him. If her husband was mowing the lawn with the riding lawnmower, she would use the small lawnmower and follow him. Additionally, Polly's family will remember her as an upbeat, optimistic lady who always had a smile on her face and truly enjoyed life. She taught piano, enjoyed golf, bowling, gardening, knitting, and sewing. Polly was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, John Bennett Austin, who passed away in 2001; son, Douglas G. Austin in 2006; and two sisters, Margarie Hill and Madeline Crowley. Survivors include her children, Sandra J. Austin and J. Leslie Austin; daughter-in-law, Jean S. Austin of Texas; grandchildren, Kathryn M. Austin of Texas and Jeff W. Austin of Calif.; one great-grandson, Bennett Phillip Austin of Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. from the Daly Funeral Home. Interment will follow next to her husband in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.