Patricia “Pat” Rose Austin passed away from natural causes on August 29th at her home at Touchmark. Patricia was the fifth of nine children. Born on March 8, 1924, at home in Toston, MT to Clarence and Clara Berberet. Patricia grew up as a ranch girl learning and enjoying skills that she would use throughout her life. She graduated from Townsend High School in 1942.
On July 7, 1945, she married the love of her life, Raymond E. Austin. At that time he worked for the Milwaukie Railroad and they lived in a “gandy dancers” car. Later he became chief pilot for Morrison Flying Service. During the early years of their marriage Pat and Ray enjoyed their quickly growing family, having three children in two years, including twin boys. Another baby girl was added later.
Pat was so creative in many activities including sewing, cooking, and gardening. The family enjoyed working together on their cabin in the Elkhorns, snowmobiling and winter picnics, but our main form of entertainment was parking on Main Street after having a Chinese dinner and watching all of the activities downtown.
After Ray passed away in 1971, Pat went to Votech and honed her secretarial skills. She worked in the Secretary of State’s office for twelve years. In her retirement she volunteered as information aide at Fort Harrison. She traveled extensively with the Goodwill Ambassador program. When she was home she gathered her friends for a Friday afternoon “Board Meeting” at the Mother Lode.
Pat was an active member of St. Mary’s Church and dearly loved the lifelong friends she had including Ann Vansickle. Her love for God, family and many friends kept her strong and her sense of humor kept us all laughing.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents’, her husband Ray and her brothers Edgar, Jack, Bill, and sisters, Betty Ann, Claudine, Ruth and Kay. Survivors include, sister Joan (John) Gilbertz, sons Larry and Rick, and daughters Cherie (John) Dahl, Clarice (Ralph) Austin Mcquillan. Grandchildren Matt (Nida) Dahl, Trista (Tim) Lyman, April (Kevin) Smart, Christina Austin and Mikal (Rachel) Austin, great-grandchildren Ashely and Tyler Smart, and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank her Touchmark family for all of their loving care of mom for the past 3 years.
Public visitation will be at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 12:10 at St. Mary’s church, followed by a reception at the church, before burial at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in Pat’s name are suggested to Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave Helena, MT 59601 or the Montana Military Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 125, Ft. Harrison, MT 59636. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Pat.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 3, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday September 4, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday September 4, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
2:40 p.m.
Thursday September 4, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 3, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday September 4, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday September 4, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
2:40 p.m.
Thursday September 4, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mike & Diana Hall says
John, Cherie, and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers! May the Comforter put His loving arms around all of you. Sending love and hugs, Mike and Diana
Bill & Helen Dunbar & family says
Pat’s family- You are all in our thoughts and prayers. She was a lovely lady and always so friendly and welcoming to all. She will be missed by you and all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace. Love-Bill & Helen & family
Judi Dahl Foutz says
Grandma Pat, we will miss your great smile, the twinkle in your eyes and the many kindnesses your showed us when we came back to Helena to visit. Heaven definitely received a beautiful gift when you entered those Pearly Gates. Love, Judi & Lewis
Michelle Berberet says
Pat was such a sweetie with a great sense of humor. With Love, Bill, Michelle, Clair and Will Maher
Christine Bourassa Johnson says
Austin family,
Your Mom was my God Mother and I deeply cherished her love of faith, family and friends. I have thought of her often and recently. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Pat will be missed.
Christine Bourassa Johnson
Maggi McKinnon Corbett says
Austin Family : So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She was a lovely woman and clearly loved deeply by you all. Please know you are in my thoughts. I look forward to the next time our paths do cross so I can extend my condolences in person. In sympathy and friendship, Maggi McKinnon Corbett