Obituary for Kathleen M. Russom (Austin)
SCHAGHTICOKE - Kathleen M. Russom (Austin), 54, of Schaghticoke passed away peacefully August 28, 2022 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Kathleen was born September 10, 1967 in Flushing, NY to Catherine Dugan (Brinkmoeller) and Donald Austin, Sr. She was raised in Clifton Park, NY and graduated from Shenendehowa High School, class of 1985. She was predeceased by her father, Don Austin Sr., and brother-in-law, Paul Russom.
Kathleen was a beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, and aunt. She will be deeply missed by her husband Mark Russom, her son Thomas Shudt (Marissa), mother Cathie Dugan, siblings Don Austin Jr. (Kelly), Denise McAdoo (David), Susan Milos (Charlie), Jeanine Marshall (Ron), Danielle Ballato (Anthony), and James Austin (Jessica), sister-in-law Pamela Wood (Steve), and brother-in-law Peter Russom (Robin).
Kathleen was an incredible, strong, honest woman, who was loved immensely by all who knew her for her kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. She was a dedicated employee of the New York Business Development Corporation (Pursuit) for over 30 years and deeply valued her work and colleagues. She was an avid runner, frequently gathering groups of friends and family to participate in local races like the Freihofer’s Run for Women, the Last Run 5K, and Workforce Challenge. She loved her annual membership to Proctors and the friends she spent time with at all the shows. Kathleen was an avid golfer and golfed as often as she could. She had a beautiful way of teaching her family to golf - always positive and supportive, no matter how bad you were. Their favorite tip - “slow backswing, hulk smash, finish like a doofus.” The laughter was constant whenever the family got together, which was all the time. Kathleen truly loved spending time with them. She was an excellent cook and baker, who would spend countless hours baking for her loved ones, especially her chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake, and homemade pies. Kathleen was so loving and generous; always there if you needed advice or a friend to call. She would tell you exactly what you needed to hear, even if it’s not what you wanted to hear, and it was so appreciated.
She will be remembered by her son Tom as the best mom a son could ask for, and by her husband Mark for her beautiful blue eyes and as the best dog mom to Mitzi and Elza.
Kathleen cherished her nieces and nephews, Alexandra, Samantha (Justin), Molly, Jordan, Jayden, Katherine, Elizabeth, Ryan, Sarah, Jayda, Aaron, Jacob, Seth (Nell), Erica, Lydia, Matthew, John Paul, Roxeanne (Scott), Brianna, Mackenna, and Colin, who will always remember her for always thinking of them, being there for important moments, and making the holidays so special with little gifts. Kathleen supported all their sports by attending games, tournaments, and competitions, making each child feel extra special and loved.
Kathleen was passionate in her faith and loved serving as a lector at the Assumption of St. Paul, Mechanicville and St. Joseph’s, Greenwich.
Her family would like to thank Father Marty, Father Pat, and Community Hospice for providing compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 31 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 35 Hill St, Greenwich, NY 12834 with burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Stillwater. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Anne Institute, 160 North Main Avenue
Albany, New York 12206, or Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.
Kathleen was a beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, and aunt. She will be deeply missed by her husband Mark Russom, her son Thomas Shudt (Marissa), mother Cathie Dugan, siblings Don Austin Jr. (Kelly), Denise McAdoo (David), Susan Milos (Charlie), Jeanine Marshall (Ron), Danielle Ballato (Anthony), and James Austin (Jessica), sister-in-law Pamela Wood (Steve), and brother-in-law Peter Russom (Robin).
Kathleen was an incredible, strong, honest woman, who was loved immensely by all who knew her for her kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. She was a dedicated employee of the New York Business Development Corporation (Pursuit) for over 30 years and deeply valued her work and colleagues. She was an avid runner, frequently gathering groups of friends and family to participate in local races like the Freihofer’s Run for Women, the Last Run 5K, and Workforce Challenge. She loved her annual membership to Proctors and the friends she spent time with at all the shows. Kathleen was an avid golfer and golfed as often as she could. She had a beautiful way of teaching her family to golf - always positive and supportive, no matter how bad you were. Their favorite tip - “slow backswing, hulk smash, finish like a doofus.” The laughter was constant whenever the family got together, which was all the time. Kathleen truly loved spending time with them. She was an excellent cook and baker, who would spend countless hours baking for her loved ones, especially her chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake, and homemade pies. Kathleen was so loving and generous; always there if you needed advice or a friend to call. She would tell you exactly what you needed to hear, even if it’s not what you wanted to hear, and it was so appreciated.
She will be remembered by her son Tom as the best mom a son could ask for, and by her husband Mark for her beautiful blue eyes and as the best dog mom to Mitzi and Elza.
Kathleen cherished her nieces and nephews, Alexandra, Samantha (Justin), Molly, Jordan, Jayden, Katherine, Elizabeth, Ryan, Sarah, Jayda, Aaron, Jacob, Seth (Nell), Erica, Lydia, Matthew, John Paul, Roxeanne (Scott), Brianna, Mackenna, and Colin, who will always remember her for always thinking of them, being there for important moments, and making the holidays so special with little gifts. Kathleen supported all their sports by attending games, tournaments, and competitions, making each child feel extra special and loved.
Kathleen was passionate in her faith and loved serving as a lector at the Assumption of St. Paul, Mechanicville and St. Joseph’s, Greenwich.
Her family would like to thank Father Marty, Father Pat, and Community Hospice for providing compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 31 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 35 Hill St, Greenwich, NY 12834 with burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Stillwater. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Anne Institute, 160 North Main Avenue
Albany, New York 12206, or Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.