Vivian Austin

Vivian Austin passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by the family she cherished above all else. A longtime resident of Troy and formerly of Royal Oak, Michigan, Vivian's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, resilience, and simple joys.
Born March 5, 1930, in Bridgehampton Township, Michigan, to Stanley and Mable (née Hill) Cass, Vivian grew up on a family farm where her love for animals, especially horses and cats, was born. She spent countless hours outdoors, riding horses with her father and finding freedom in the open fields. That love of nature and animals stayed with her throughout her life.
Vivian's home was her sanctuary, and her kitchen was its soul. Sunday dinners were a treasured tradition, and no matter how many chairs were needed, there was always room for one more. Her recipes, mac and cheese, pork chops, homemade rolls, johnny cake and beans, dumplings, scones, and no-bake cookies, weren't just meals; they were acts of love that brought people together. She believed family wasn't just who you were born to, it was everyone who walked through her door.
She found joy in life's quiet moments: sitting on the porch with her cats, admiring horses whenever she could, playing euchre, working on puzzles, and drawing strength from her faith. Vivian had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and unwavering kindness touched everyone who knew her. To her family, she was not only the heart of their home but the strongest woman they had ever known.
Her life was also a love story. Vivian married Arthur Austin Jr. after a chance encounter that became destiny: Arthur saw her sitting on a bench in the rain, offered her a ride home, and three months later, they were married on July 2, 1949 in Deckerville, MI. They shared 46 beautiful years until his passing in 1995. Later, she found companionship with Walter Austin, marrying on January 16, 2000, and enjoying a loving marriage until his passing in 2010. Her greatest joy came from her children, 14 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, who filled her life with laughter and love.
Vivian dedicated more than 20 years to the Royal Oak School District and also worked at Julian Brothers Bakery, where her friendly nature and strong work ethic were admired by all.
She is survived by her devoted children: Eugene (Jan) Austin, Lloyd Austin, Linda (Jeff) Tuckfield, and Brenda (Michael) Boura. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Arthur Austin Jr. and Walter Austin; her parents, Stanley and Mable Cass; her sons Harold Austin and Bruce (Joan) Austin; and her grandson, Joshua Tuckfield.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 10, 2025, from 2:00–8:00 PM at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, Clawson, Michigan. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 AM at the same location. Vivian will be laid to rest at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy.
In honor of Vivian's lifelong love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to New Beginnings Animal Rescue, https://www.nbarmichigan.org/donate.html. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vivian, please visit our floral store.