Obituary of Elaine L. Austin

Celebration of Life Memorial Saturday, February 25th 3:00pm University Place Presbyterian Church 8101 27th St W University Place,WA Reception immediately following Cookies and Beverage Elaine Louise Roegiers Austin was born February 8th 1929 in Artesian South Dakota to Henri and Martha Roegiers of Belgium. She went to be with the Lord January 9th 2012 while living in Tacoma, Washington. She is survived by her sister Mary Tschakert, husband Bill & family, brother Francis Roegiers and wife Janie, sister Lucille Christensen's family, daughter-in-law Marianne Hayes Austin and grandson Garth Austin. She is preceded in death by her mother & father, husband Calvin Austin, son Glenn Austin December 5th 2011, sister Lucille Christensen, friends Gene Lowry and Hub Hubbard. Elaine was born in Artesian South Dakota during the time her parents rented and farmed the Bodin place. In 1937 they moved to the John Knutson farm which was 5 miles NE of Artesian and attended the Jones School. Later she worked at the Delaney's and then at the Abbot house homeless children. It was there where a fire broke out burning the place to the ground. Elaine was able to rescue the children she was responsible for. Later Elaine rented a room from the lady that would soon become her mother-in-law. Elaine met Cal while he was working in a shipyard in Tacoma and later served in the Army. Cal and Elaine married on August 9th 1947. Their first child Martha Jane died shortly after her birth and Glenn Edward was born on Sept 5th 1950. Cal & Elaine moved to Tacoma in 1950 and later to Federal Way. During this time she worked for a drug store in the downtown area and Nalleys. Elaine was widowed on March 8th 1991. Elaine had remained in this area throughout the remainder of her life moving a couple more times. She later met Gene Lowry who passed and Hub Hubbard who passed on June 24th 2005. Elaine was the only child that was able to pronounce the Belgium language. Elaine's parents and their Belgium friends would tell stories in Belgium at first within ear reach of Elaine. When they realized she understood they sent her out of the room. The Belgium language became one of those things that was passed down to her son Glenn and grandson Garth. Elaine loved to visit and talk with people. She did this while enjoying the sale of Avon, Fullerbrush and Watkins products. Some of her other enjoyed activities were camping, razor clam digging, handwork, crafts, square dancing and ballroom dancing, singing, letter writing on a regular bases to friends and family, tending household plants and fishing. She belonged and served in various positions with her square dance clubs, American Legion Auxiliary, Eagles in Tacoma & Auburn, Trout Unlimited, Zora Temple No 5 Daughters of the Nile Temple Chorus and Sewing Club to name a few. Elaine grew up and was a faithful parishioner in the Catholic Church for many years. The last several years she attended University Place Presbyterian Church. What a joy she must have experienced when she opened her eyes and saw the face of our Savior, her son, other family and friends smiling back at her. Her family and friends will miss her and her light hearted way of living life which included lots of laughter and stories.