AUBURN – Marilyn J. Austin, 78, of Augusta, passed away on Oct. 7, 2022, at Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn. She was born on Jan. 14, 1944, in Lewiston, to Clarence E. Hinkley, Sr., and Harriet A. (Young) Hinkley, the second child (older brother, Clarence E. Hinkley Jr.). She grew up in Wales, and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1962. Her dad was her best friend, and she hunted and fished beside him every chance she could.

She married David M. Pray, and moved to Wales where they built their home, and raised their daughters, Rhonda H. (Pray) Small and Felicia A. (Pray) Wheeler. The first part of her career, Marilyn worked at Cottle’s Shop’n Save as a Customer Service Manager, and Deli/Bakery Manager. 

In 1982 she earned her Nursing Degree at CMVTI in Auburn. She loved helping people and nursing was in her DNA. She worked at CMMC for many years and then started her business, “We Care Uniform Shop” originally in Auburn, then Lewiston, Brunswick, and Farmington. She later returned to nursing and worked at Pine Tree Internal Medicine until she retired. She helped so many people, donating uniforms, wigs, and many other things to people in need in the community, even as far away as Russia.

Marilyn was active in her church- First Assembly of God in Lewiston, where she was baptized, sang in the choir, and catered many meals for the church. Her kind heart made her many lifetime friends there, and wherever she went, she always knew someone. Marilyn was a gifted musician, played the accordion, and the organ. She was a smart, humble, and incredibly positive person who loved life.

Marilyn outlived her parents, brother, and her husbands- whom she helped care for over the years. She found love again at the age of 72, and married Paul Austin Sr. (Dec.) in 2016. She had many friends and people whom she loved. She leaves behind her daughter Rhonda Small and son-in-law Craig, of Auburn, and daughter Felicia Wheeler and partner, Bob Young of Jefferson. She was the best Meme to her three grandchildren who she loved dearly, Sean M. Collins (Gray), Audra L. Tammaro (Auburn), Jesse L. Tammaro (Auburn), and two great-grandchildren Jayden Carey and Evelyn Collins. 

There will be a Celebration of Life for Marilyn on Nov. 19, 2022, at the Washington Ave. American Legion in Auburn from 2-5 p.m.

Copy the Story Link