SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Dorothy H. Austin, known as Pat to many of us, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.
The daughter of Joseph and Myra Humphrey, Dorothy was born on May 21, 1919 in Patterson, N.J. She spent her early childhood in Pittsburgh, Pa., where her father studied Chiropractic; her middle years in Gloversville, where her father practiced Chiropractic for several years before moving his practice to Binghamton. Her adult years were spent in Binghamton, Peekskill, White Plains and South New Berlin.
An accomplished portrait artist, she earned her B.A. in Fine Arts from Syracuse University in 1940. She taught art for two years in Maine, N.Y. and then received her M.A. in 1946 from Teachers College of Columbia University where she met her husband, Donald E. Austin. They were married on Feb. 13, 1947. Her artwork took a turning point when she was accepted into The Art Students League of New York where she studied under Robert Brackman and Daniel Greene. As a result of her talent, her artwork was accepted by Paintingsdirect.com. She was also a well-known Norwich landlady for several years.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Donald of South New Berlin and their three children: Jeanne and her husband, Cal Gormick of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; Dave Austin of South New Berlin and Jon Austin of Binghamton. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Todd, Julie and Tim and five great grandchildren, Alexa, Jeremiah, Ashlyn, Noah and Drew, all living in California.
Funeral services for Dorothy will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Rev. Charles Taylor, rector of St. Andrew’s Church of New Berlin, will officiate. There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place in the spring in Riverside Cemetery in South New Berlin.
Contributions in Dorothy’s memory may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, West Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: http://wilsonfh.com.