Mary Jean Austin

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.