Obituary of Barbara E. Austin

Barbara Elizabeth AustinPort Henry - Barbara Elizabeth Austin, 80, of Edgemont Street, Port Henry, entered into rest December 26, 2008 at the Moses Ludington Nursing Home in Ticonderoga, where she had been a resident for the past few months.Barb was born in North Hudson, October 9, 1928 the daughter of Freeman and Grace (Phelps) Jenks. She graduated from Westport High School in 1946. She married Harvey Potter in 1947 and together they raised six children. She later married Bernard (Bernie) Austin in May of 1972. She enjoyed life and was passionate about her family, friends and summers spent on Lake Champlain. She was a caring and loving person who worked as an aid in nursing homes during her working years. Later, she and Bernie became foster parents taking in as many as 70 children throughout the years, in which they loved as their own. She was a member of Westport Bible Church. Alzheimer's disease robbed Barb of her life, progressing rapidly towards the end. She will be missed by all, however realizing that she now is in a better place, free from this dreadful disease, gives us great comfort.Survivors include husband Bernard Austin of Port Henry; five children, Terry Potter and his wife Molly, Tim Potter, Barbara J. Deiss of Peoria, IL., George Potter of Port Henry, Tracy Potter and Brian LeClair of Barre, Vt., three step-children; BJ Austin and his wife Sharon of Syracuse, NY, Betty Sue Austin of Peru, NY, Bruce Austin of Spokane, WA; one foster child, Kevin Wood of Westover, Vt.; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; two nephews; and one niece. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister Lila Smith; and one son, Thomas Potter.A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 11am at the Westport Bible Church, 24 Youngs Rd., Westport, NY, with Pastor Dick Hoff officiating. Burial took place in the Riverside Cemetery in Wadhams.Donations in the memory of our mother/spouse may be made to the Alzheimer Association or to the charity of one's choice.Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. 643-9055