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Severa Austin Obituary
Severa Austin
May 30, 1938 - Aug. 25, 2023
MADISON - Severa Austin, 85, of Madison, died in her sleep on August 25, 2023, after a full and meaningful life.
Severa was a proud graduate of Randall School, West High, and the University of Washington, though her heart beat strongly for the Badgers. Both her career and personal life were marked by her devotion to social justice and public service. She was a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia; a bureau director for Wisconsin's Department of Health and Human Services; the executive director of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin; and a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin, sharing with a new generation of social workers her passion for public policy.
Severa's greatest loves were politics, dogs, Door County, and her friends. She will be missed by many, but especially by Mary, Cheryl, Kate, Aaron, and Molly.
Her life will be celebrated privately.
And should friends wish to make donations on her behalf, she'd have been grateful and liked them to go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Severa Austin
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
Dale C Coenen
September 8, 2023
I worked with Severa during the 80's and always found her to be a very nice lady. The world could use more like her.
Nicole Safar
September 5, 2023
I got to know Severa during my time working with Planned Parenthood- years after she was the fearless CEO, she would often volunteer with the public affairs team, humble and wise, never letting on a that she was a former leader of the org and the groundbreaking work she did in the 90s. Severa was one of my first mentors in policy and politics. Many WI women don´t know her name, but if they did I know they would credit her with changing the course of their lives for the better If I can half the impact she did, it will be a life well lived. My deepest condolences to those she loved best. Your loss is felt by so many of us that loved her.
Lisa Olson
September 5, 2023
Severa was my mentor, the most effective teacher, and inspiration to so many young women. I´m heartbroken. Thank you, Severa; for showing me that women must be leaders, and that politics and power must be aligned to support women and children everywhere. I will miss you. My sincere condolences to Mary, and all those you´ve impacted through your warm heart and impactful policy decisions throughout your career.
Nan Cnare
September 4, 2023
A stunning smart woman leader who provided me, early in my career, with a vision of how women could and should play key leadership roles! Gratitude to Severa for her commitment to service and nurturing strong women leaders
Robert M Phillips
September 3, 2023
Hello my name is Bob Phillips, I go by my moniker: "Trader Bob". I am saddened by reading about her passing. But must say I had such great memories of seeing her at 1810 Monroe street~Trader Joes. Nice to read about her legacy! My condolences! Bob
Such a lovely lady!
Mary Lloyd
September 3, 2023
She was most happy teaching students how to effect change for helping others. She will forever be in my heart. Rest in peace Severa.
Mary Lloy
September 3, 2023
she was most happy teaching. She wanted to pass on her passions for change to the next generation. She will forever be in my heart.
Linda Nelson
September 3, 2023
I worked for Planned Parenthood while she was executive director. Ever professional, I´m proud to say I worked for her.
Kate Lloyd
September 3, 2023
My favorite memories of Sev were her interactions with Molly.
Moria Krueger
September 3, 2023
What a force Severa was! If she were on your side, you had the best ally. It was an honor to know her.
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
August 29, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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