Grace Kathleen Austin

Grace Kathleen Austin, of Ransomville, NY, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on December 18, 1941, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late William Henry and Mildred Grace (Buttery) Crewe.

Grace was a 1960 graduate of Lewiston-Porter Central School and went on to earn her certificate as a Medical Secretary from the Trott Vocational School of Nursing. On June 25, 1960, she married the love of her life, Norman Lyle “Pete” Austin, at the Youngstown Presbyterian Church. They shared twenty beautiful years together before Pete’s passing on December 16, 1980.

Grace began her working life at age 17, starting in January of 1959 for Dr. Piazza at the former Ransomville General Hospital. She later worked at Mount View Hospital in Lockport and Fairchild Nursing Home before leaving the medical field in 1973. She then embarked on a long and fulfilling career as a school bus driver with Ransomville Bus Lines, retiring in 2006. During summer breaks from 1977–1981, she was also employed by the Wilson Central School District as a supply clerk, custodian, and bus driver, all while continuing her work with the bus company. She briefly worked for Harrison Radiator in Lockport for six weeks one summer before returning to the profession she loved most, driving bus.

Grace lived in Youngstown from childhood until moving to the Town of Wilson in 1985. In 1977, she discovered her passion for genealogy, a pursuit that became one of the great callings of her life. Upon becoming a genealogist, she joined the Niagara County Genealogy Society and compiled numerous family histories. Her meticulous research and dedication have ensured that these histories are preserved in the Society’s archives, as well as in libraries throughout Cortland, Erie, and Niagara Counties, local museums, and repositories in Germany and England.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband Pete, Grace was predeceased by her granddaughter, Sarahjane Austin; great-grandson, Jayden Ray Letts; grandparents, Rudolph and Kathleen (Stroh) Crewe and Frank and Grace (Nickerson) Buttery; sisters, Charlene Crewe, Evelyn Crewe Gilmer, and Linda (late Robert) St. Cyr; brother, Kenneth Crewe; and brother-in-law, Albert Williams.

She is survived by her loving children, Mark (Teresa Confer) Austin of Ransomville, Diane (Jeffrey) Batt of Ransomville, and Daryl (Lisa World) Austin of Newfane; cherished grandmother of ten grandchildren and the adored great-grandmother of twenty-six great-grandchildren; her dear sister, Alice Williams of Niagara Falls; caring brothers, Russell (Joanne) Crewe of Florida and Charles (Linda) Crewe of Niagara Falls; she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, humor, and unwavering devotion to family.

There will be no prior visitation. Arrangements entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville. A Celebration of Life will be announced for late June. Grace will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband during a private interment in North Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice.

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