Claire R. Austein

The family of Claire Austein, with great sorrow and sadness, announces her passing on September 2, 2016. Claire was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 9, 1925, and was preceded in death by parents Abe and Fritzie Polak and her younger sister Natalie Gould.

Claire and her beloved Murray were high school sweethearts and moved from Brooklyn to Dallas after WWII with their infant daughter Lynne, where they were embraced by a close group of people who became life long friends. Among Claire’s many interests were her involvement at Congregation Shearith Israel, travelling with Murray, Big Band music, playing bridge, and fashion retail. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and preparing meals, especially around Jewish holidays. In addition to housewife and wonderful mother, Claire was Murray’s partner in business—in the truest sense—in “Murray’s Men’s Shops”. Perhaps her most important contribution was as caregiver. First to her mother, Fritzie, who lived with Claire, Murray, and their three children for almost 45 years. Then to her younger sister, Natalie, and finally to her husband, Murray.

Claire is survived by her adoring Murray, with whom she would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this January. Her lasting legacy includes her children Lynne Kohn and husband Larry, her son Robert and daughter Debbie Stalarow and husband Alan. Grandchildren include Melissa Kohn, Lauren Kohn and her fiancé Patrick Fabry, Ben Austein and his wife Jacylyn, and Gabe Austein; her two great-grandsons Owen and Zachary Austein, who were her immeasurable pride and joy; also her devoted niece Kari Gould and her husband Timothy Islay and nephew Kevin Gould and her niece Barbara and husband David Karron with whom she shared a very close and special relationship.

Special thanks to her loving caregivers Jocelyn and Laura and the wonderful staff at Seasons Hospice at Presbyterian Hospital. Also, a very special thank you to Dr. Jeff Phillips, her physician and friend who always brought a smile to her face.

Claire Austein was a beautiful, caring, compassionate, funny, articulate and kind woman. We will miss our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and dear Claire everyday and will find comfort in her blessed memory.

The family has asked that donations be made to the Kohn Austein Teen Fund c/o Congregation Shearith Israel, 9401 Douglas Ave, Dallas, TX 75225 https://shearith.org or The Aging Mind Foundation, Dallas Foundation, 3963 Maple Ave., #390, Dallas, TX 75219, 214-520-5928, http://agingmindfoundation.org.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 4 at 12pm in the chapel at Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, 7405 W. NW Highway, Dallas, TX 75225 followed by graveside services.