Jeannie Marie Austin

Our mother, Jeannie Marie Austin, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2020, from internal factors related to cancer. She was 57 years old. Mom was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, that had already spread to her bones and possibly her brain (she was scheduled to have an MRI completed later this month), and was actively searching for ways to ease the pain associated with this diagnosis. After speaking with Mom’s doctor, we discovered that she was given just a very short time to live (3 months maximum) even if she underwent aggressive chemotherapy and stopped smoking. This approximation was also given not knowing if the cancer had already spread to her brain. What we do know is that Mom wanted to fight for as long as she could to be here with us, and had decided to have chemotherapy treatments that were also scheduled to begin this month. Knowing this diagnosis, mom began reaching out to family and loved ones, not to share the extent of her diagnosis, but to try and have peace and closure with those most important in her life. Although she wasn’t able to reach out or speak to everyone she knew and loved before she passed, we know that this was her top priority in her final days. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Ralph Austin and Neldra Jean Jernigan Cockerham; and brother, Kenneth Austin. Jeannie is survived by her children, Duc Viet Phan, Thuy-Tien Thi McLaughlin and husband, Drew McLaughlin, and Tan Quoc Phan; grandchildren, Teresa Talia Phan (21), Darrin Van Phan (19), Aristia Phan McLaughlin (18), Rayden Nicholas Hillard (17), Jaid Lei-Phan McLaughlin (16), Ty Vaughn Phan (16), Elija Leon Phan (14), Xander Kai-Phan McLaughlin (14), Phoenix Van Phan (9), Talon Kai Phan (7), and Kobra Kai Phan (1); siblings, Marian Austin, Leon Austin, and Brian Austin; and best friend, Sandra Kazemi. Mom had a last will and testament in which she expressed her desire to be cremated and appointed her daughter (Thuy McLaughlin) as her personal representative to carry out the provisions of her will. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and social restrictions associated with the pandemic, we will not be able to hold any memorial services for mom. We ask that you please utilize any electronic methods (phones, social media, etc.) to share your thoughts and prayers directly with those affected by mom’s passing. Mom would not want anyone to get sick or possibly spread the disease by having a memorial at this time. We appreciate everyone’s grace, dignity, and acceptance knowing that this is the environment that we’re currently in and we all have to do what we can to help one another get through it. Mom was an Austin through and through, she was tough, stubborn, strong-willed, but her most important attribute was her love for family, friends, and her beloved animals no matter what the circumstances. Relationships are tough, unique, and complicated delicacies that are ever changing and evolving. If mom’s passing has taught us anything, it is that we should take the time to nurture our relationships before there is no time.

Tributes

Jeannie Marie Austin

September 1, 1962 - April 15, 2020