Kathleen Austin

POCATELLO - Kathleen "Kay" L. (Plourd) Austin, 92, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2012. Kay was born on April 5, 1919, on her uncle's chicken farm in Westfield, MA. to Michael Edward and Catherine (Aylward) Plourd. Her childhood was spent in Springfield, MA. Her family was French Canadian and Irish Catholic. She married a Protestant. Life was never dull. Kay and Edward "Eddie" James Austin married on August 30, 1940. With Eddie's military life and career advancements they lived in numerous places before retiring in Harwich, MA on Cape Cod, their dream home. After many joy-filled years there together, Eddie died on September 3, 1991. She helped organize the first polio vaccinations in the Portland, ME; Greenland, NH; and Sudbury, MA schools. She also assisted in the eye exams given to school children. As her sons grew she organized a rifle club and helped many learn gun-safety in Sudbury, MA. Kay stayed active. Weekends with extended family were filled with boating, waterskiing, Feebee, and poker. At home she played Bridge with friends. She enjoyed gardening and watching birds as they passed through her yard on their migratory route. She created beautiful art with her cross-stitch table cloths, crewel embroidered wall hangings, and hand-painted porcelain. An avid reader, she had a quick wit and was always ready with a sarcastic comeback for her family, friends, and caregivers. After years near her oldest son, Kay moved to be near her younger son's family in Idaho in 2004. She briefly lived in a condo on her own, but Macular Degeneration of her eyesight and poor health required her to relocate to an assisted living community. She is survived by her son James (Carole Ann) Austin of Orange, MA and son John (Anna) Austin of Pocatello, ID; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, infant son Matthew Austin, and her 7 brothers, and 4 sisters. Kay's family would like to thank the staff at Rosetta Assisted Living and Dr. Lassere for their kindness and care of their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.