DORIS C. AUSTIN

Doris Catherine (Dowd) Austin, affectionately known to her family as “Nana,” passed from this life to the next on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 6:18 p.m. at the age of 81, bringing her battle with Alzheimer’s disease to a peaceful end.

Born on Oct. 2, 1944, in Lawrence, to Arthur and Ruth (Williams) Dowd, Doris made an eventful entrance into the world, arriving in the doctor’s office before her mother could get to the hospital. She grew up locally, graduating from Hartford High School—where she was active in the band, choir, and cheerleading—before earning her teaching degree from Michigan State University.

It was a connection through MSU that would change her life forever. Her brother, Bruce, brought his MSU college roommate and fraternity brother, William “Bill” Austin, home for a weekend visit. For Doris, it was love at first sight the moment she saw Bill’s blue eyes. The two were married in 1964 and built a beautiful life and family together.

Many in the community knew Doris as a fiercely dedicated educator. Doris taught third grade in Hartford for twenty-five years. She was deeply committed to the children in the community where she lived; passionately guiding her students in ways that often exceeded the customary role of teacher. In her retirement, she was often approached by former students—now adults—who would share the impact she had on their lives back in third grade.

Her love for children extended well beyond the classroom. She was an active member of the Hartford Mothers Club and a devoted member of Hartford United Methodist Church, where she served as the chair of Staff Parish Relations. Her sons still fondly recall her years as a Cub Scout Den Mother, whose Pinewood Derby team swept first, second, and third place in 1977. In every committee, club, or classroom she joined, Doris was a strong and consistent advocate for women’s equality. She led by example, ensuring women were fully represented, a foundational value she intentionally poured into her daughter and granddaughters.

At her core, Doris was a family woman. She rarely missed an event for her children or grandchildren, showing up faithfully for each sporting event, play, concert, dance recital, and graduation. As the family continued to grow, she insisted on putting in a pool to create yet another space to gather and tightly connect to one another for many years to come. When she wasn’t supporting her loved ones, she enjoyed teaching Tole painting, sewing and knitting for her grandchildren, tending to her flower garden, and cheering loudly for her beloved MSU Spartan football and basketball teams.

Doris is survived by her loving husband, Bill; her three children: Tim (Sunny) Austin, Ken (Darcie) Austin, and Brenda Austin; and her six cherished grandchildren: Hannah, Tori, Blaine, Ayden, Mia, and Sierra. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Kathy Dowd (widow of her brother Bruce) and Kelly Dowd (widow of her brother Les).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ruth Dowd; her brothers Stan (and his wife, Sue), Bruce, and Les Dowd.

The family is comforted to know that Doris is now at peace, and made whole.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. Visitation will be the evening prior on Friday, July 10 from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Doris’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation or Hartford United Methodist Church. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.