Elizabeth Ryan Augustyn, of Antigo, died Sunday, October 30, 2011 at Langlade Hospital under the care of her family and LeRoyer Hospice. She was 63 years old. She was born on May 11, 1949 in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, a daughter of Walter and Jessie (Robertson) Ryan. She married James Augustyn on January 21, 1977 in Falls Church, Virginia. He survives.

She moved from New York to Washington D.C. to attend Trinity Washington University. She lived in D.C. until she married and moved to Antigo.

She was a devoted mother, artistically creative, and politically active. She traveled extensively, was an avid reader, and had a passion for music, taking piano lessons at the Wausau Conservatory of Music.

She was a member and past President of St. John Catholic School Board of Education, was on the hiring board at the Wausau Conservatory of Music, and served on the political campaign for state representative Tom Tiffany.

She was also known for her great sense of humor, making people laugh all her life, even from her hospital bed. She was a kind person who was considerate of others, and had friends across the globe. She was enthusiastic and optimistic, and enjoyed hearing new stories and having new experiences all her life.

Survivors including her husband are two daughters, Allison Augustyn, Seattle, WA, and Jessie Augustyn, Madison; a son James Ryan Augustyn, Madison; a brother John (Rosemary) Ryan, Lake Forest, IL; a sister Laurie (Ron) Dillahunt, Antigo.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo, with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church.

A memorial will be established. Memorials may be directed to the family.
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