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Mary Austin Obituary

Mary Jean Austin passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in League, Texas at the age of 99.
She was born on May 26, 1925, to Joseph and Marie Ribarich in Lowellville, Ohio. In 1948, she married John Henry Austin, a young Marine, and began a long happy journey together. They lived in Camp Pendelton, California and Camp Lejune, North Carolina during John's military career. In 1955 their daughter, Linda was born, followed in 1957 by a son, Bryan. They moved to Harlingen, Texas in 1966 after John's retirement from the Marine Corps, so he could work at the Marine Military Academy. In 1973, they bought a beach house on South Padre Island, and this was her permanent residence since then.
Mary worked for the City of South Padre Island as a municipal court clerk, retiring in 2007, after 32 years of service. After retirement, she was a volunteer worker at the SPI Birding Center for many years and at The Friends Animal Rescue. When not volunteering or working in her yard, she was taking part in her favorite pastime, shopping with her long time, dear friend, Rachel Rocha. She loved sitting outside with her friend, Katherine and the dogs. Mary was a longtime member of St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church in Port Isabel, Texas. Mary went to stay with her daughter in August 2023 in Clear Lake Shores, Texas and later moved to Delaney at South Shore in League City, Texas.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, John in 1991; her parents; sister, Anne (Rudy); brothers, Johnny and Rudy; sister-in-law, Marylee Lind (Harry); and her dear friend, Rachel Rocha.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Linda Marie Ware (Hank); son, Bryan Joseph Austin; grandchildren, Molly Marie Ware (John) and Shane Henry Ware; and several nieces and nephews.
Family will be receiving visitors on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. follow by 11:00 a.m. church service at St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church with Rev. Claudia Nalven officiating, 1022 N. Yturria St, Port Isabel, Texas with a private burial to follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas.
In lieu of flowers family request donations In Memory of Mary Jean Austin to St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1022 N. Yturria St, Port Isabel, Texas 78578.
You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Mary Jean Austin at www.thomaegarza.com.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.

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

Obituary published on Legacy.com by WFMZ-TV 69 News on Feb. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Austin

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3 Entries

Jane Rosamond

February 10, 2025

It was a privilege, joy and blessing to know you Mary. Rest in Jesus arms

Carlos lugo

February 10, 2025

Our deepest heartfelt condolences to The Austin.
May Mrs Mary rest in peace.
Heaven has gained another Angel. The above men along with Mrs Mary worked at South Padre Island Police Dept in the late 70's.
This picture was taken in 2018 as we gathered to celebrate: Our 40 th. Anniversary.
We will always be Mary's Boys.

Dan B. Flores

February 9, 2025

What a wonderful individual I had the honor of working with at South Padre PD. May you rest in peace!!!

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Memorial Events
for Mary Austin

Feb

10

Visitation

10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church

1022 N. Yturria St., Port Isabel, TX 78578

Feb

10

Service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church

1022 N. Yturria St., Port Isabel, TX 78578

Funeral services provided by:

The Original Downtown Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, Inc. - San Benito

395 South Sam Houston P.O. Box 92, San Benito, TX 78586

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