Martha Daniells AUSTIN

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Martha AUSTIN Obituary

AUSTIN, Martha Daniells
Martha (Daniells) Austin, 91, of Bloomfield, formerly of Simsbury, passed away on Thursday (March 1, 2012) surrounded by her family, friends and caregivers with love and peace. Martha was born September 24, 1920 to the late John and Mary (McLean) Daniells. Martha received her bachelor's degree in art from Radcliffe College in 1942. She married the love of her life, Colby Merrill Austin and in 1959 they settled in her ancestral town of Simsbury. In addition to raising her three children, Martha was an accomplished artist and active member of her community. As a member of the West Hartford Art League for 40 years, she designed and created silver jewelry receiving numerous awards. She was a longstanding volunteer for the Simsbury VNA, a member of the League of Women Voters and an outspoken advocate for numerous peace initiatives. A dedicated environmentalist, Martha was a founding member of the Simsbury Land Trust, where she served with honor as trustee and secretary for over 21 years. Martha was a life-long member of the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Farmington. Her unconditional love, humility, patience and compassion were a model for all those who were fortunate enough to know her. By her nurturing spirit and quiet wisdom, she cultivated the best in all of us. In sharing that with others, we will always keep her spirit in our hearts. Martha is survived by her sisters Elizabeth (Daniells) Thorpe and Lorna Daniells of Bloomfield; son and daughter-in-law Bill and Roxy (Jacobs) Austin of Simsbury; daughter and son-in-law Molly (Austin) and Kevin Toomey of Manchester; her special niece Sally Jans-Thorpe of Basel, SZ; her daughter-in-law Faith Huntington of Farmingdale, ME; and her beloved grandchildren, Sara, Nora, Tom, Christopher, Will, Dan, Jim and Courtney. She was predeceased by her son Thomas Austin. Martha will lovingly be remembered by a multitude of extended adopted family members too numerous to mention. Special thanks go to all the dedicated staff of Seabury Retirement Community and Home Care who contributed to Martha's care and comfort in the last years of her life.
For all of her friends and extended family at Seabury, there will be a small gathering in her memory to be announced. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life at a future date which will be published at that time. Donations in Martha's memory can be made to the Farmington Valley VNA, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070; the Simsbury Land Conservation Trust, Inc., P O Box 634, Simsbury, Ct 06070 ( www.simsburylandtrust.org) or to a charity of one's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha AUSTIN

9 Entries

Charles McElrath

February 27, 2024

Mrs. Austin served on the Simsbury ABC Board of Directors. I was one of the students living in the house. She was a very loving and caring person. My years later, I visited with her to thank her for she did for me as a Director of the ABC program.

She loved Vernor´s Ginger Ale soda that wasn´t sold in Connecticut, so I used to bring her some back from Ohio.

I will always remember her!

Chuck McElrath

Chuck McElrath

February 26, 2023

Me. Austin made a significant contribution to the Simsbury A Better Chance Program.

Anne Marie A Bussolini

February 26, 2022

It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since Martha´s passing. I think of her often and will keep the family close to my heart during this difficult time.

Chuck McElrath

February 26, 2022

I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Austin while she was a Board Member of the Simsbury ABC program. I used to bring her Vernon Ginger Ale pop/soda from Ohio, which was her favorite.

I visited with Mrs Austin 30 years later just to tell her thank you for the contribution that you made to my life.

Rest in Pease Mrs. Austin

Chuck
Simsbury Class of 1979

March 7, 2012

To the members of Martha's family ~

Please accept our deepest condolences on Martha's passing. She was an extraordinary and special lady. Her involvement with our organization dates back many, many years and her dedication to our purpose, mission and to the community was simply amazing. Her countless hours of volunteer work can never be properly described. Among many other gifts of time and talent, Martha incredibly hand wrote notes of acknowledgement for many hundreds of memorial contributions made to our Agency over the years. Each was carefully written with beautiful handwriting and each contained a special personal message to the recipient. This is just a small example of her compassion, commitment and selfless being.

We will all miss Martha terribly but will remember her always with love, admiration and appreciation.

Our Board of Directors, Simsbury Town Associates, and Staff wish you peace and comfort.

Sincerely,

Incy S. Muir
Executive Director
Farmington Valley VNA

Chuck McElrath

March 6, 2012

My deepest condolences go out to Mrs. Austin's family.

During the mid to late 70s Mrs. Martha Austin was an active board member for the Simsbury “A Better Chance” (ABC) program on Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury, which helped poor minority high school students receive a better education and a better chance in life. I was one of the many students that Mrs. Austin's kindness and selflessness helped.

During 2010, I had an opportunity to visit Mrs. Austin and tell her how thankful I was for what she and other board members did for me some 30 plus years ago. I wanted to personally tell her that her acts of kindness didn't go unnoticed and her efforts paid off for me in a big way. I had a great time go down memory lane with Mrs. Austin that day. She and I recalled the several occasions where I would bring her favorite soda pop “Vernon's Ginger Ale” to her from Cleveland, Ohio. This was the least thing I could do for a person who was helping me so much.

Today as I reflect back on the many people that helped me in life to receive a B.A. in Economics and Master in Business Administration (MBA) and the current position of President and CEO at my job, I must include and acknowledge Mrs. Austin.

So on behalf of the many ABC students and I who Mrs. Austin touched our lives in a special way, we say thank you Mrs. Austin!

Love,

Chuck McElrath
Simsbury Class 1979
Simsbury A Better Chance (ABC)Program

Cindy Harrigan

March 5, 2012

My deepest sympathy to all of Martha Austin's family. Martha's spirit will live on in so many ways. I am priveleged to have known her and to have experienced her passion for the environment first hand.

Bill Weiss

March 4, 2012

Mrs. Austin was our friendly neighbor for many years and I have fond memories of her always friendly way. My heart goes out to Molly & Bill their families.

Bill Weiss