Carol Jean Austin

Carol Jean Austin

Resident of San Jose

1935 - 2011

Carol Austin passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2011 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. She was born in Medford, Oregon on March 9, 1935 to Frances and Andrew Anderson. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Buck Austin, her son Greg and his wife Dr. Diane Casey, her son Steve and his wife Evanthia Spanos, her grandchildren Helena and Ariana, and her beloved aunt, Alice McChesney.

Carol grew up in Mt. Shasta, California where she attended Mt. Shasta High School and worked at the soda fountain at Windsor's Drug Store. She married Buck in 1954 and soon moved to San Jose, where she lived for more than 50 years. Carol worked for the Campbell Union Elementary School District for 28 years. She was the school secretary at several elementary schools, including Rosemary and Sherman Oaks, before moving to the school district office where she worked as an administrator. Carol was known and loved by countless school children, parents and teachers over the course of her career.

Carol loved to travel with Buck, especially to Mendocino, Half Moon Bay and Monterey. She and Buck loved to attend concerts at the Mountain Winery, always with a fine tailgate meal. Starting in the 1970's, she was a joyful and fanatic Aerobic exerciser. Carol adored her granddaughters and was a wonderful mother and wife. She will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank all of Carol's many wonderful caregivers for their kindness and support over the years. Their love and care for Carol are deeply appreciated. And a special thanks to Christie Redding for her many years of friendship to both Carol and her mother Frances.

A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carol's name to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741.