Obituary of Grace Austin

Grace Lee Mellwig Austin was born in Philadelphia on June 18, 1926 and died on September 30, 2013 at her home in Trappe, PA. While pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse as a student at the University of Pennsylvania, she contracted polio, suffered permanent muscle damage and was forced to change her major. Following intensive rehab in 1949 she graduated first in her class with a degree in Chemistry. Grace was elected Queen Maysea of the ninth annual baby parade in Cape May, NJ in 1936. She loved her summers in Cape May, swimming and animals. She always had a smile on her face and is described by many as “the sweetest person in the world.” She will be missed. Grace is survived by two daughters Lesley (John) Geyer of Trappe, PA, and Karen Austin (Ken Young) of Franklin, TN, and 4 grandchildren, Rev. Kira Schlesinger (Joe), Kiley Austin-Young, Devon Geyer and John (Jay) Geyer III. She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Carlton James Austin Jr. and her son, Carlton Edward Austin. Services will be held on October 25, 2013 in the Collegeville area, exact time and location to be posted at a later date. Rev. Kira Schlesinger will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in Grace’s memory to one of the following: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 2405 Park Dr, Suite 100 Harrisburg, PA 17112 http://www.lls.org/ The Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance, PO Box 148, McSherrystown, PA 17344 http://www.patsainc.org/Home.aspx Pocono Greyhound Adoption, 405 Iroquois Loop, Canadensis, PA  18325 http://www.poconogreyhound.com/ PLEASE SEE FAMILY OBITUARY