Velma M. Austin

East Lansing, Michigan

Velma died peacefully July 16, 2017.  She was predeceased by her husband John of 76 years, and is survived by her four children; Gerald Austin (Kathy), Douglas Austin (Agustin Montalvo), Marjorie Austin and Ronald Austin; grandchildren Kate Mills (Mark, deceased), Christopher Austin, Matt Austin (Barry Hanley), Melissa Austin, Maggie Haviland (Adam), Julie Austin (Freddie Feliz), Liz Austin and Dana Kristl (Sean); great-grandchildren Bodhi Mills, Tucker Mills, Ben Haviland, Alex Feliz, Ronan Haviland, Marisol Feliz; as well as Patti Austin, Mary Ann Austin, Thatcher Mills and Nick Mills, and several nieces and nephews and their families. She was very grateful for the loving and compassionate caregivers and staff at Burcham Hills in East Lansing, Michigan

Velma was born May 19, 1917, to David and Muriel McCutcheon in Buffalo, New York, and lived in Royal Oak, Michigan. Velma was involved in a wide variety of activities. She was active as a Deaconess in the First Presbyterian Church in Royal Oak. She served on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Republican Women’s Club. She was employed as an office manager and joined the Royal Oak Civic Theater. When they retired in 1982, she and John moved to a home they built on Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City, Michigan. She continued her church affiliation in Traverse City and also joined the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society and the Old Mission Women’s Club, both in the Traverse City area.

Velma and John eventually relocated to East Lansing in 2008. Velma will be remembered most for her endless love of John and the rest of her family, and will be deeply missed by all of us.

Velma will be interred in Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak as part of a family celebration of her life.  Date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, Velma requested donations be made to the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization she supported as a member for many years. The P.E.O. is an international women’s organization with a primary focus on providing educational opportunities for students worldwide. Please use the following link if you wish to make a contribution: https://donations.peointernational.org/. Guest book available at www.EstesLeadley.com