Austin

Saundra “Saundy” McCabe Austin, 74, of Butler, passed away at home Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.

She was born in Uniontown on Dec. 29, 1947, to Paul and Dorcas McCabe, and was the sister to Patrick McCabe, who all preceded her in death.

Saundra grew up in Butler, then attended Brescia College in Owensboro, Ky., where she met and married Stephen Clements. They had two children, Daniel (married to Laura, lives in Kentucky with children Alex and Lynley) and Monica (aka Nikki, married to Phil, lives in London, England).

Saundra had a bright, artistic spirit and committed fully to many pursuits alongside motherhood. Starting as a teacher, she later worked for the Welcome Wagon, owned an antique store and designed and sewed costumes for Augusta College, Fort Gordon and Davidson Fine Arts School theater productions in Augusta, Ga., where she and Stephen threw wonderful parties at their home.

Back in Kentucky, she took the reins as managing director of the premiere theater workshop of Owensboro. Afterward, she pursued belly dancing, in Florida while sewing Middle Eastern and Renaissance costumes. After marrying Kenny Austin, they adventured to California, where she enjoyed being an extra in film and TV. She was widowed and eventually returned to Butler to care for her mother, Dorcas, where she enjoyed ballroom dancing, exploring photography, reconnecting with former classmates and caring for her sweet calico, Andromeda.

Born with gorgeous blonde curls, after cancer treatments, Saundra filled her closet with wigs, thereafter modeling a variety of red-haired looks, which complemented her fabulous and fun sense of style; she dressed well every day, whether going out or staying in. Taught the joy of photography by her father, she shot pictures with curiosity and a unique perspective (see BBKane on flickr.com).

She loved listening to classic rock, traveling, baking, watching “CSI,” “NCIS,” “True Crime” and “Ancient Aliens,” but her favorite hobby was always shopping — anywhere and everywhere. Her incredible eye for thrift store treasures was invaluable!

First diagnosed with breast cancer 22 years ago, she persevered and thrived until it metastasized in 2017. Since then, she endured her pain with an amazing amount of fortitude and grace. We will sorely miss her laughter, love and hugs, but she is now pain free, and we know she is traveling the universe, listening to Freddie Mercury, and dancing with joy. Bye Momma, Love you!

AUSTIN — All arrangements for Saundra “Saundy” McCabe Austin, who died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, are through SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Saundra’s honor to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund or Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

Please visit www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.