Obituary of Geraldine Austin

Geraldine A. Austin "Gerry" (nee Stephen) Geraldine "Gerry" Austin passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2014. Born in Joliet to Frederick and Loretta (Baker) Stephen, she was a graduate of St. Francis Academy. Early in her adult life she was employed by the Joliet Arsenal and later she worked as a part-time real estate agent for the Hensel Agency. She also worked for Joliet Public Schools District 86 and the Will County Circuit Clerk's office, from which she retired. But most of Gerry's life was devoted to her family—raising seven children, traveling the world with them, and always ready for a good game of cards. She was the loving mother of William III (Vickie) of Wheaton; Janet (Pat) McCann of Wilmette; Thomas of Phoenix; Mary Pat (the late Steve) Allmandinger of Walcott, Iowa; James (Barbara) of Indianapolis; Judy (Rick) Short of Shorewood; and Michael of Chicago. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Austin, Jr. (2008); her parents and her sister, Mary Louise Schwartz. The Austin family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff of the Timbers of Shorewood, Willow Hospice, and Gilda for the loving care they gave to Gerry. Funeral Services for Geraldine A. Austin will be held Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road (at Essington), Joliet, to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation Friday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.