Obituary of Linda H. Austin

Linda H. Austin 65, a resident of Barkers Grove died Wednesday August 31, 2011 at her home following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. A native of Austin, PA, she was a daughter of Francis and Kathryn (Allen) Hensel. Linda graduated from Mansfield State Teachers College and received her Masters degree from Wesleyan College. She was a 10th grade Biology teacher at Greenwich Central School from 1968 until her retirement in 2001. She was instrumental in starting the STOP recycling program, active in STANYS and after her retirement she remained active working for the Greater Capitol Region Teacher Center and in collaboration with the University of Albany coordinated the DNA Science Project loaning program that made DNA Science Equipment Kits available to high schools. She was a leader in the Greenwich Relay for Life and Caring Together Inc. and their annual Teal Ribbon Run/Walk. Linda was involved in martial arts for 26 years reaching the rank of Certified 4th degree Black Belt and certified instructor of the American Martial Arts Institute, and also a Yellow Belt in the American Cane System. She participated on behalf of the US Performance Team for the American Martial Arts Institute in Italy, Australia, and Russia. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her mother-in-law Molly Austin. Survivors include her sister, Pam Hensel of Fairport, NY; her brother Doug ( Melanie) Hensel of Coudersport, PA; an uncle, Art Hensel; an aunt, Evelyn Pletcher; eight nieces and nephews, ten great nieces and nephews, many cousins, and her former husband Frank (Myrtle) Austin. A celebration of her life will be held at 2pm Saturday September 10, 2011 at the Easton United Methodist Church, State Route 40, Town of Easton. Following the service a reception with family and friends will be held in the church hall. Donations in her memory can be made to Caring Together, Inc., PO Box 12383, Albany, NY 12212-2383 or www.caringtogetherny.org.