Irene E. Austin

Our mother, Irene E. Austin (née Jurbala), died in the early morning of December 16th at age 81. Mom was an intelligent, independent, and spirited woman who described herself as curious and inventive, but those descriptions fail to fully convey who she was and what she meant to so many people. Our mother was born in 1940 in Berwick, a small Pennsylvania town along the Susquehanna River. She was the middle of three girls – Sylvia the eldest and Nancy the youngest. She described her youth as poor but rather happy. Her father Peter Michael Jurbala welded tanks during WWII and later worked as a bank janitor. Her mother Elizabeth Irene (née Kovacs) also worked outside the home but primarily ran the household and looked after the girls. Our mother fondly recalled local tap dance contests and shows in which she and Nancy participated and shared warm stories about family car rides on Sundays along the river. Academics was a life-long obsession for our mother. She excelled in grade school and was the first in her family to graduate from college. Having received her B.S. in Education from East Stroudsburg State College in 1962, she went on to attain her Master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1966-67. It was in college where Mom met some of her most cherished friends. These close friends were commonly seen during holidays and warmly known to us as aunts and uncles. These friends remained confidants through her last days. Mom married our father, Bill Austin, shortly after receiving her graduate degree. They celebrated their honeymoon with a cross country road trip destined for California. We aren’t sure if the family drives along the river set in motion her desire to travel, but for the entirety of her life she was eager to venture to new destinations. In addition to a trip with her parents to Europe in the 1970s, Mom’s adventures took her to Greece, Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Costa Rica. Mom felt strongly that we needed to create our own adventure memories as we grew up so she loaded us into our van and set out for destinations like Chicago, Quebec, Key West, and St Louis. After teaching at Millersville University, Mom continued her career as a professor at York College of Pennsylvania in 1969. In the late 1970’s she served as faculty senate president, the first woman to do so in the history of the institution. She was tickled about one particular moment that position afforded her – meeting former President Gerald Ford – she kissed him on the cheek, telling us she couldn’t pass up the opportunity! For nearly thirty years, she taught biology and even pioneered a ground-breaking human sexuality program at the college. While at the college she’d often have guest speakers in her classroom who would usually dine in our home; they came from a wide array of racial, educational and professional backgrounds. Thinking back, we smile appreciatively at the non-judgmental way she taught us to look at the world. Never one to sit still, Mom was also active in the community. She helped the League of Women Voters and YWCA establish a women’s resource center. She was also involved with the National Organization of Women, supported the local women’s shelter, and did volunteer work in mental health for the county. A lover of music, she spent time as an usher for the York Symphony. Not surprisingly, Mom gained many lifelong friends through her volunteer activities. Although our parents separated, Mom found a way to coordinate our music lessons, school activities, soccer & ice hockey practices, swimming lessons, drama club and choir. She encouraged us to be resourceful, inquisitive, and adventurous. Our childhood memories are full of time spent exploring college biology storage rooms, doing homework in Mom’s office, walking the campus as if it was our backyard (it was), and sharing time with many family friends in what we called second homes. Rather than leave us behind, Mom often took us with her for collegiate work conferences and included us in all she did, while ensuring she engaged in all we did. Balancing work, home life, friends and all our activities was a heroic undertaking for which she rarely received recognition. In 1999, Mom retired from York College but never stopped teaching or learning. She immersed herself in the Literacy Council and Crispus Attucks, among other organizations. She gave countless hours guiding, teaching, and mentoring others. Her time volunteering was some of the most rewarding of her teaching career. She worked behind the scenes as well, helping collect book bags and school supplies for local children to support their success. Much of what Mom did in the community was unassuming and always full of thought for others. Mom was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of York. An avid gardener, she participated in the garden committee for many years. Among many of the projects the committee undertook, Mom was most proud of the garden labyrinth located at the UUCY that serves as an area of meditation and reflection for all. The outdoors always seemed to energize Mom whether it be sitting in a serene garden space, exploring hiking trails or simply sitting on her swing in Dover overlooking the creek. During her retirement, Mom proudly saw her two children marry and later delighted in the news she’d be a grandmother. Grammie, as she was known, took great joy in spending time with her three grandchildren, Riley, Ethan and Eva. She’d get down on the floor to play with toy animals, help build ‘creatures’ with pinecones and sticks, read books together and take the children to local parks to enjoy nature’s magic. Mom delighted in the sounds of the kids’ giggles and found renewed energy in their happiness. The last few years Mom struggled to maintain many activities and correspondence. She appreciated the unwavering friendships and family connections even when she wasn’t able to fully express it. Mom regretted her lack of correspondence resulted in the loss of some friends but hoped they understood her withdrawal was not personal. We assured her this was understood and were proven correct when news of her passing was made public. As we wrote her story it became apparent how amazing a life she lived; something we never really understood until now. We extend immeasurable thanks to all her friends and family that loved and supported her over the years. She wanted to be remembered as a kind, loving, and giving woman making small differences in other’s lives. She tried to live the best way she could – not always successfully, not always on time (as she would admit) – but always with the best of intentions. She was a tireless and selfless cheerleader for others, celebrating the smallest of successes, recognizing the importance of little joys, and raising others up in a uniquely Irene way. Mom will be deeply missed. A poem Mom saved seems fitting. “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching or cool one pain or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.” - Emily Dickenson. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 4, 2022, with a visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 925 S. George Street, in York Irene Elizabeth Jurbala Austin is survived by her son Eric J. Austin and his wife Jamie of Malaga, NJ; her daughter, Kira Austin-Dumaine and her husband Stephen of Mt. Rainier, MD; three grandchildren Riley, Ethan, and Eva; a sister, Nancy Whitesell and her husband Carl of St. Louis, MO; and niece Nancy Armstrong and her family, also of St. Louis, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sylvia Irene Jurbala. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to organizations important to her: ACCESS York (c/o YWCA York, 320 East Market Street, York PA 17403 or ywcayork.org; The Literacy Council of York (1416 6th Ave, York PA 17403 or yorkliteracy.crm.salsalabs.org/webDonation; or National Audubon Society (844-428-3826) or action.audubon.org/donate/make-tribute-gift. Please list Irene Jurbala Austin in the tribute or memo line. Please send condolences at HeffnerCare.com CLICK HERE TO SEND FLOWERS