Ausra Pai

Pai, Ausra 6/9/1940 - 12/23/2022 Kalamazoo Ausra (Vaiciunas) Pai was born to Vincas and Stefania Vaiciunas in Kaunas, Lithuania on June 9, 1940. At the time, Lithuania was forcibly occupied by the Soviet Union and when she and her twin sister were barely a year old, Germany invaded. With war raging around them, her parents knew that they needed to get their family to a safe place to raise their children so in 1944, they traveled by foot to Germany where they lived in a displaced persons camp until they were able to emigrate to the United States in 1949. Ausra lived most of her life in Michigan, where she worked as an occupational therapist, ultimately settling in Kalamazoo. Ausra met her husband of almost 52 years, Dr. John Pai, at the hospital where they both worked when he admired her green Mustang convertible and asked her for a ride. She stayed by his side until his death in 2018. Marrying a Korean immigrant in 1966 was a bold and brave choice when biracial marriages were not legal in all states until 1967. While staying true to her filial responsibilities, she still lived her life courageously and on her own terms. In their later years, Ausra and John enjoyed traveling with John's symphony which took them around the world. Scotland, Portugal, and Russia were only some of their ports of call. With her mother by her side, Ausra was also able to visit Lithuania when it reopened its borders. She often spoke of how welcoming and gracious people were wherever she traveled and she relished the opportunity to sit down and have a drink with a stranger in another country. Her final years were spent in the company of the most extraordinary neighbors and friends. Despite losing her vision in 2020, she was able to continue living independently because of their friendship. She walked two miles a day until she ultimately succumbed to her growing health issues and moved into assisted living in Colorado, near her children and grandchildren. Ausra is survived by her children, Dr. Lissa McIntyre and Andrew Pai (Diedre Paterno Pai), and granddaughters Ava McIntyre, Amanda McIntyre, Nadia Pai, and Isadora Pai. The source of extreme pride and love, Ausra spent her last weeks in all of their company and was surrounded by their chatter and laughter in her final days. On December 23, 2022 she peacefully passed in her sleep and will long be remembered for her fierce determination, sense of humor, and proud independence.