Austina Violet (Kennedy) Newsome
1939-2019
Austina Newsome, 79,
Antigonish, died unexpectedly on March 31st,
2019, St. Martha’s Regional Hospital.
Austina was meticulous in her affairs. Her first obituary for
us said “I was born, I lived, I died.” She didn’t
think we would like it so she wrote the following.
Born in Charlottetown PEI, Austina grew up on a farm with
wonderful parents who gave her the love, skills and help she needed
along with piano, voice and pipe organ lessons. After completing high
school in PEI, she went to Dalhousie University for Religious Studies,
but completed a Biology degree instead. She then pursued a Masters
degree at the University of Western Ontario. After starting
a PhD she decided she needed money and joined the Department of
Biology at Concordia University. There she met her future husband,
George “Buck” Newsome. Following their marriage,
they moved to the University of Manitoba where Austina obtained her
PhT (Putting Husband Through) and Buck completed his
PhD.
Austina and Buck relocated in 1974 to St. Francis Xavier
University where Austina was employed as a Biology Lab Instructor for
29 years. She loved teaching, her students, and came to love
Antigonish. Austina and Buck spent 40 summers at their Lochaber Lake
cottage. Following the death of Buck and their dogs, Austina moved to
the Maples Residence where in just a few short months she became good
friends with several residents. Austina was a quiet philanthropist and
helped many individuals and organizations through the years with no
expectation of anything in return.
Predeceased by parents Hazel (Corbett) and Austin Kennedy and
her brother A. Wendell Kennedy, she is survived by her brother-in-law
Philip Newsome (Eleanor), nephews David Kennedy, Brent Newsome
(Erika), Trevor Newsome (Holly), great nephews Keith Newsome, Adrian
Newsome, Owen Newsome, great nieces Hannah Newsome and Alexa
Newsome. Austina touched the lives of many people who she
“adopted” as family through the years including Kathy
Tibert, Sandra Taylor and Jebb Tibert.
Austina’s requested no memorial service and her
ashes be scattered to the sea so she can visit the many places she
wanted to see! A party for family, friends and colleagues
will occur in the future. Online condolences:
www.clcurry.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Austina Violet Kennedy Newsome 19392019..
Death notice for the town of: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia