Margaret A. Austin

Margaret Austin was born on October 13, 1925 in Artesia, New Mexico, to Richard and Katherine Attebery.  She spent the better part of her youth in Artesia, but her childhood would include constant traversing of the entire state, as it seemed there were Atteberys

and Johnsons (her Mother's family) throughout the "Land of Enchantment."

At the age of 14, the Atteberys relocated to Carlsbad, and the story for the rest of Margaret’s life began.  It Margaret Austin was born on October 13, 1925 in Artesia, New Mexico, to Richard and Katherine Attebery.  She spent the better part of her youth in Artesia, but her childhood would include constant traversing of the entire state, as it seemed there were Atteberys and Johnsons (her Mother's family) throughout the "Land of Enchantment."

At the age of 14, the Atteberys relocated to Carlsbad, and the story for the rest of Margaret’s life began.  It was at Carlsbad High, in her sophomore English class, she met a young Graham Austin.  Before long, the two began dating, went steady as Juniors and Seniors, and graduated together in 1943. In 1944, at the age of 19, Margaret accepted Graham's proposal of marriage.  Graham immediately joined the Army Air Force and began pilot training.  With WWII going on, they never knew what would happen, so Margaret followed Graham from base to base, lived nearby, and took on secretarial jobs.  Their marriage lasted 72 years until Graham passed away in May, 2017.  Margaret will not only be remembered for her three quarters of a century with the love of her life, but also for her many family and community accomplishments.  In Inglewood, California, in the late 1950‘s, Margaret Austin became the Chairperson of both the Red Cross and Easter Seals organizations, working with children who had contracted polio.  She led the elementary educational charge to assist students who were afflicted with a medical condition now known as dyslexia.  Margaret was an active member of PTAs at every school her sons attended: Woodworth Elementary, Monroe Jr. High, Morningside High in Inglewood, and Rolling Hills High in Palos Verdes.  She attended Glendale City College and El Camino College, LA Trade Tech, and Wellesley College, where she earned a certificate in Executive Management Travel Education. She was an avid art collector from countries throughout the world, passionate piano player, and member of both the Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo Country Clubs’ Bridge Clubs.  She was a Chairperson of the Nellie Gail Ranch Association and 30-year parishioner at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in San Juan Capistrano. She and husband Graham were long time supporters of The Pacific Symphony, and regularly attended performances.

Above and beyond being a Wife, Mother, Community Leader, Children's Medical and Educational Activist, Margaret Austin will be remembered as the kindest, most decent,

loving person to have ever walked the face of God's earth. She viewed friendship as a gift and a responsibility, never forgetting a name, a birthday, or an anniversary. She is survived by her sons, Ken and Rick Austin, daughters-in-law, Maryl and Shari Austin, Grandchildren Hayley Austin, Jeff Austin, Graham Austin (wife Katie) and Nicole Steverson (husband Christian), step-grandchildren Justin Holz, Nathan Holz, Cameron Harvey, and Clarissa Anderson (husband Chris), great-grandchildren Reagan Wright and Mac Austin.

A viewing and visitation will be held at Pacific View Memorial Park and 

Mortuary 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, Ca. 92625 Friday

Oct. 27, 5pm to 8pm

Services will be held at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church

31641 La Novia Ave. San Juan Capistrano, Ca. at 1:30pm

Saturday Oct. 28

Family, Friends, and Well Wishers are welcome at both.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to:

The Mission Hospital Foundation, Mission Viejo, Calif.