CAROLYN BETH AUSTIN

Carolyn Beth Austin passed away suddenly at home in Lynnwood, Washington on November 13, 2007.  Carolyn was born December 13, 1952, in Parsons, Kansas, to Kirk Brough and Barbara (Pyle) Austin.  She was a graduate of Parsons High School, Labette Community College, and Emporia State University, class of 1974.  Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Art.  

While at Emporia State, she met her future husband, Ralph Leonard "Lynn" Brigman, Jr.  They were married August 1973 in the First United Methodist Church in Parsons.  

After graduation, Carolyn and Lynn moved to Washington state to begin their careers and family.

Laura Ann Brigman was born in 1984 and was the most loved child on earth. A happy and gregarious little girl, she was tragically diagnosed with Batten Disease in early childhood, a fatal neurological disorder.  Carolyn became a devoted caregiver to her precious daughter until her death in 1995.

A life long Methodist, Carolyn was active in the Edmonds United Methodist Church in Edmonds, Washington, and the Batten Disease Support and Research Association.  Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter Laura, her husband Lynn, her father, and two infant nieces, Carin and Rachel Austin.  She leaves behind her mother, Barbara Austin of Parsons, Kansas, a brother, T. J. Austin and his wife Sharon of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, sisters Virginia Constance of Lawrence, Kansas and Nancy Swanwick and her husband Daryl of Fort Scott, Kansas, six nephews, Jeremy Austin and his wife Monica, Tadd Austin, Matthew Swanwick and his wife Carissa of Lenexa, Kansas, Daniel Swanwick and his wife Catherine, Sam Constance, Colin Constance,  two nieces, Shelley Spurlock and her husband Danny, Christie Austin, two great-nephews, Zachary and Antonio Austin, and two great-nieces, Tatum Swanwick and Molly Spurlock.  She also leaves a group of devoted friends in the Seattle area, and a childhood friend of Laura's, Lindsay Herschlip, Carolyn's honorary daughter.

Carolyn's passing will leave a large hole in many hearts.

Carolyn's family and friends will be celebrating her life at a memorial service at 10 am November 30 at Edmonds United Methodist Church in Edmonds, Washington.

Memorial donations may be given to the Laura Brigman Guild at Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Washington, 98105-0371.

Arrangements:  Beck's Funeral Home, Edmonds, (425) 771-1234