1928 – 2016

BRUNSWICK — Claire B. Austin, 87, of Durham Road, Brunswick, died on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Lisbon Falls on March 12, 1928, a daughter of the late Robert and Mary (Karkos) Risska. She was educated in Lisbon until she started attending Edward Little High School so she could play in the band. She graduated from there in 1946.

Claire married her one true love, Donald Austin, on Aug. 2, 1948. Their love carried them for the next 68 years, something they both were very proud of. In her younger years, she worked for First Auburn Trust and then Casco Bank in Brunswick. She left there to start her best job ever, raising her three children. She was a former member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, now Holy Trinity, and the Rosary Society.

She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She leaves her husband, Donald Austin of Brunswick; her three children, Robert Austin and wife, Karen, of Norway, and their two children, Jeffrey Austin and wife, Stacy, and their son, Cooper James, and Lauren Barr and husband, Benjamin, all of New Hampshire, James Austin of Brunswick, and Barbara Austin of Brunswick. She is also survived by two very special people, Aunt Agnes, a very dear friend, Gail O’Neil; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister, Geraldine Hawkes.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Claire’s life by visiting her guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.