Judy Frances Austin

Judy was born on January 14th, 1955 in San Francisco, and raised in Niles, California. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Meier (d. 2004) and Frances Meier (d. 2011).

Judy attended Hacienda & Niles Elementary, Hopkins Junior and Mission San Jose High School. From there, she attended California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, California, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture.

Upon graduation, Judy moved to Salem, Oregon. She was the Co-Founder and Director of the Montessori Discovery Center, where she dedicated 29 years of her working life to teaching and mentoring thousands of children in the Salem community.

She was a lifelong member, and former Deacon, of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Salem, Oregon.

Judy loved gardening, camping, traveling, fly fishing, sewing, crafting, the beach, sunny weather, her dog Biscuit, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by a family that misses her dearly. Her husband, Will Austin, cherishes every moment of the 18 years they shared together; he will miss their trips to Hawaii, National Parks, the Oregon coast and camping with their grandchildren.   

She was the youngest sister of Roberta Boyd (Stephen), and Donna Meier (Rich Vivenza), two women that had a profoundly positive impact on her life; and she was Aunt Judy to Stephanie Cottrell (Jake), and Jared Boyd (Tasha).

Judy was the beloved mother of two daughters that are grateful for the strength and gratitude she instilled in them, Melissa Henderson (Seth Henderson, son-in-law) and Julia Haney (CJ Daiker), and step-daughter Brigid Austin.

And she will forever be Grandma Judy to three grandchildren that she loved unconditionally, Annabelle Henderson (8), Finn Henderson (4), and Grace Austin (6).

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 26th, at 2pm.  Colorful attire requested.  Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3737 Liberty Road S, Salem, OR 97302. https://www.salemwestpres.org/