Virginia "Nina" Austenberg

I miss you Nina.

Nina is missed & thought about still. Her "mark" & sweet soul made this World a better place.

Dear Ken, Craig, Lance, Anita, and Leif -- I am SO sorry for your loss of your wife and Mom; Nina was a wonderful, wonderful person to me -- actually changed my life in so many ways, probably most importantly quietly over time converting me to being vegetarian and now to about 98% vegan still trying to get to 100%.

Nina also helped a group that several of us had organized in South Orange and Maplewood (Pet Savers) learn many, many helpful lessons for coordinating a community pet...

Nina is an icon of NJ animal advocacy. Always a gracious lady and generous of spirit, she made more inroads for NJ animals than any other individual working on their behalf. Her wisdom & diplomacy enabled her to work with people from various viewpoints. Nina was a brilliant woman & my mentor. She will be sorely missed. My love to her dear family. You are not alone in your sadness for the loss of our dear Nina.

I will always remember Mrs. Austenberg as a kind person. I'm glad our families were neighbors, and I think about growing up in Stirling, NJ, often. Just this week, I managed to take photos of two red-tail hawks, which reminds me of her tireless work for animal rights, and I'm glad that the family chose the Raptor Trust as a way to remember.

Nina was a wonderful, caring friend, a gentle spirit and compassionate advocate, and a loving wife and mother. The world is a better place for her having been in it. And it is all the poorer because of her passing. I'll miss her always. My heart goes out to you, Ken, and your family.

Nina what an amazing spirit! I will always remember your stories about your family vacations at Disney and your sweet grandson Henry who I'm sure has grown up to be a smart and bright young man. Ken I'm thinking about you and the family and wish you all the best during this time. Nina will always hold a special place in my heart and surely those who have had the privilege of crossing paths with her surely will never forget this beautiful giving sole.

Gone from us is a beautiful, bright spirit, always full of love and compassion. She's a bright star in the night sky. Our lives were made better because of her life. I'm proud to have known her and called her my friend. Bettina Guerre

May 30th...I take this personally. Nina was one of my closest friends going back 30 years, way before I wrote the pet column. I've always admired her passion for helping animals. She was never strident in her crusades. Nina was a gentle soul and so very brave going through chemo...never complaining. She exhibited a strong faith in God by the way she lived and loved, not only her wonderful family but friends as well. In her last email to me she was still talking about having lunch as soon...