Leona M. Austin

Leona M. Austin, age 91, a fifty-nine year resident of 503 W. Ninth Street, Bloomsburg, died Monday, December 22, at Balanced Care of Bloomsburg where she had resided since April. Leona was born September 8, 1917 in Beaver Township, PA, the daughter of the late Herbert and Hannah (Trumball) Longenberger. She graduated from Bloomsburg High School in 1934 working as office girl during her senior year. Leona was a member of St. Columba Catholic Parish, Bloomsburg for sixty-five years where she was an active member of Catholic Daughters, Legion of Mary and was Kitchen Supervisor on Bingo nights. Leona had worked in the school cafeteria during the time of her children's attendance. She also has volunteered at St. Joseph Manor for the Eucharistic Visitation for many years. She worked as Minority Inspector for her district at the voting polls for over 30 years. Leona will be well remembered for her work as a seamstress, working out of her home for many years. When she became more homebound, she would occupy her time by crocheting blankets for the homeless. She believed in giving of ones self to the betterment of others and will be remembered for her devotion to God and her outward expression of reliance upon Him. She valued and loved to spend time with her family. When asked what was one thing she would want her children to know, her reply was, "To love God". She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph T. Austin in December 26,1977; two grandsons: Peter Austin and John McLaughlin; a great-granddaughter: Brittany Battle; three brothers; a sister and a son-in-law: Warren McLaughlin. She was the last member of her immediate family. Survivors include four sons: Joseph Thomas Austin, Jr. and his wife, Michelle, Ocloa, FL, John Austin and his wife, Carol, Mainville, Stephen and Peter Austin both of Bloomsburg; seven daughters: Mary McLaughlin, Norristown, PA, Connie Hartman and her husband, Robert, Bloomsburg, Jean Risser and her husband, Dr. James, Seattle, WA, Susan Berlin and her husband, Rod, Berwick, Cathy Fulkersin, Bloomsburg, Joan Faux-Cornelious, and her husband, Jerry, Fort Worth, TX and Jane Austin, Maryland; twenty-six grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Leona was regarded as a mother by Linda Austin of Bloomsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 29 at 2 P.M. from St. Columba Catholic Church, Bloomsburg with Rev. Joseph Fennessy as celebrant. Friends will be received at the church from 1 P.M. until time of service. Burial will be in New Rosemont Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Leona's name are suggested to: Alzheimer's Association, N.E. PA Chapter-Kirby Center, 63 N. Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701-1317.

Leona M. Austin

September 8, 1917 - December 22, 2008