Harriet Irene Austin passed on to her heavenly home on Saturday, October  26, 2024.  She was born on May 29, 1924 in South Bend, Indiana to John Flatoff and Frances Pliszka.

Harriet owned a grocery store in Mishawaka, Indiana, where she was a meatcutter.  She and her family moved to a farm in Vernon, Florida in 1968.   She helped with the farm, worked as an aide at Vernon High School, was a deputy sheriff under Theron Cook, and was a hostess at Simbo's Restaurant and at the Chuckwagon.   Later in life, she loved playing her keyboard and harmonicas at various places for the elderly.

Harriet was preceded in death by four siblings and one son:  Raymond Flatoff, Jimmy Flatoff, Elizabeth Megyese, Lorraine Flatoff, and one son, Phil Steyaert.  She is survived by her brother Lewis Flatoff (Diane) of South Bend, Indiana, and three sisters: Dorothy Schmidt of Marietta, Georgia, Joan Naperalski and Lucy Deguch of South Bend, Indiana.

She is survived by four children:  Sharon Thro (Tyler) of Youngstown, Florida, Sandee Stritz of Caldwell, Ohio, Jess Austin of Gilbert, Arizona, and Jane Lively (Neal) of Chipley, Florida.  She enjoyed the blessing of 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

The celebration of her life will be on Monday, October 28, at Brown's Funeral Home in Chipley, Florida.  Visitation will be at 1:30 and the service will be at 2:30.  Burial will follow at Lake View Church located at 1969 Lakeview Road, Caryville, Florida near Pate Pond and Five Points.

In lieu of flowers, please give to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, her favorite charity.