Rose Marie Austin (84) passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 in Mariposa, CA.  Born on her grandmother’s ranch in Livingston, she was a 5th generation Central California resident, and a, 57 year Madera County resident.  Graduating from Merced High School in 1953, RoseMarie began her 45, year career as a legal secretary with W. Treadwell, Esq. in Merced and assisted Judge Corcoran of Mariposa with the 1954 Courthouse Centennial.

She worked for Judge D. Scott of Firebaugh, J. Telles, Esq. of Dos Palos, and retired after over 30 years as private secretary to Thomas Caswell of Caswell, Bell and Sullivan, Fresno. She was co-founder/owner and financial officer of Ag and Industrial Supply and Firebaugh Ag Supply.  RoseMarie was a member of Madera American Legion Post 11, Tin Can Sailors and USS Saint Paul Association. She was proud of her Azorean and California pioneer heritage and enjoyed camping, square dancing, sewing and reading.

RoseMarie was preceded by her high school sweetheart and husband of 63 years, Thomas Austin, brother, Jack Bennett of Perris, and son Joseph.

She is survived by sisters Audrey Maddalena of Oakdale, Peggy Merritt of Atwater, Francine Bond of Montana and Patty Giesbrecht of Merced, son, Honorable Brian Austin of Madera, daughters, Sally Austin and Dianne Austin, 6 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life is Sunday, March 3, 2019 11:30 a.m. at Madera Elks Lodge, 112 W. 6th St. and burial is at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Madera American Legion Post 11, VFW Post 1981 or a charity of choice.