Judith Austin Vien

It is with great sadness that the family of Judith Lynn Austin Vien, 85, announces her passing on June 16, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving children, Heidi Lynn Vien Crawford, Robert Keith Vien, Andrea Lee Vien, Claire Denise Vien, and sons-in-law James McKeivier and Phillip Crawford. She was preceded in death by her parents Sumpter Hewson Austin and Margaret Ann Freeman Austin, daughters Laura Marie Vien Boland and Melanie Ann Vien, her husband Philippe Pierre Vien, her brother-in-law, Fernando Alves and her son-in-law, Dermot Boland. She is survived by her sisters Beverly Ann Austin Tuck (Roy), Emily Anne Austin Alves (Fernando), and brother James Glenn Austin (Rosie), her very special cousin Patty Freeman Hudson (John, deceased), and a host of other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Judy grew up in Bramwell, WV, Elizabethton, TN, and San Diego, CA, where she graduated from San Diego State University. After a career in electrolysis, she changed paths, moved back to her hometown of Ronceverte, WV, and began her teaching career which became her lifelong joy. She taught 1st, 3rd, and 6th grades in Ronceverte and Marlington, OH, where she was elected most frequently as the teacher who made the biggest impact on a graduating Marlington HS senior and recognized as an outstanding and inspirational educator by the University of Mount Union. She taught for over 35 years and remained close to many of her former students. Judy led a diverse life as an athlete, musician, artist, raconteur, and writer of children's books and short stories. She was working on the follow up to her childhood memoir, "Mupper's House", at the time of her passing. She was also a passionate advocate for civil rights, an activist for social justice, and a volunteer for the WV Democratic Party. She overcame adversity by sheer force of will and a positive attitude. Judy has stated that her greatest achievement and love in life were her six children.

There will be a graveside service on July 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Monte Vista Cemetery in Princeton, WV. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any organization that directly benefit teachers.