Cele Austin

December 17, 1929 - September 26, 2020

Cecilia Austin passed away peacefully on September 26, 2020 at the age of 90. She was the loving wife of the late Walter; devoted mother of Len (Suzanne), Amy (Mario) Kennedy, Ellen (John) Newton, and Bill (Cheri); cherished Nini of Ian, Audrey, Nathaniel, and Madison Austin, Alexander Joss, and Shannon, Kelsey, and Liam Newton; dear sister of Loretta (Richard) Landry and is predeceased by her other ten loving siblings. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Cecilia Agnes was born on December 17, 1929 in Toledo, Ohio to Fred and Aura Martin, the seventh born of twelve.  Cele attended Brown County Boarding School and graduated in 1947. Following graduation, she worked for her family’s company, Martin Brothers Container and Timber Products Inc. in Toledo. 

It was in the late 1950’s that Cele was set up on a blind date through friends Joyce and Bob Beaber.  She attended a football game at the University of Detroit Mercy where she met Walter Austin. The two fell in love and were married shortly after on June 28, 1958 at Rosary Cathedral in Toledo. 

Following their nuptials, the happy couple settled in Detroit, Michigan where both Walt and Cele held jobs. Cele worked at General Broach in Detroit before giving birth to their four children: Len, Amy, Ellen, and Bill.

After the unexpected loss of her husband Walt in 1979, Cele strengthened her faith and resolve. She raised her four children and continued to be active in their lives. Cele attended basketball and volleyball games, even coaching/managing her daughter’s softball team. She took her children to Devil’s Lake in the summers, enjoying large family gatherings every year. Cele also drove to Yellowstone, making special memories with her children. In 1985, Cele was blessed with a time share in Puerto Rico that she frequented with her sister and brother-in-law. It became a beautiful getaway; her family still enjoys visiting there today.

Cele was a lifelong member of St. Fabian Catholic Church. Her children attended their grade school and she continued her dedication through volunteer work for the parish through 2019.  Cele was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing with her good friends.  Cele loved horse racing and the Belmont Stakes, Preakness and the Kentucky Derby.  She also enjoyed volunteering weekly at the Farmington Community Library, doing so for over 30 years, recently ending in 2019.

Cele was polite and considerate, she never complained. She always held a positive outlook and remained optimistic, guiding her children and grandchildren through life. Always telling her children “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all!”  Cele’s loving and calming presence will be missed by her family and friends. 

Mrs. Austin’s family will receive guests on Friday, October 2nd, from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 12 p.m. at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. She will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Fabian Catholic Church in Cele’s name.

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