Helen Austin

OXFORD – Helen M. (Jakstas) Austin, 96, of Cypress Street, died Monday, January 31, 2022, at her home with her loved-ones by her side.  In her own words, “I had a wonderful life.”  She was predeceased by her first husband, Warren F. Johnson who died in 1971; and her second husband, Carl A. Austin who died in 2010.  She is survived by three daughters: Susan Varin and her husband Edward of Sutton, Penny Morway and her husband Timothy of Sutton, and Lisa Morton and her husband Robert of Sutton; her stepdaughter, Jane Redmond of California; her son-in-law, Paul Hedlund of Millbury; nine grandchildren: Eric, Jennifer, Katherine, Kristina, Helen, Timothy, Robbie, Daniel and Sarah; and fifteen great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by a daughter, Betty-Ann Hedlund who died in 2015; her stepdaughter, Jean Sidlo; and three brothers: Anthony Jakstas, Charles Jakstas, and Edward Jakstas.  She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Kazimir and Antonina (Ryndzewicz) Jakstas, and lived in Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1972.  She attended Worcester Girls Trade High School.

Mrs. Austin was a homemaker for most of her life, lovingly caring for her home and children.  In addition, she worked part-time as a seamstress, an interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village, and a teacher’s aide for Worcester Public Schools.  She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Dudley, and enjoyed traveling with the Greendale Men’s Club with her husband Carl.  She enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, Sudoku, cribbage, and playing cards with her family and friends.  She was an amazing mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to raising and caring for her children and grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at All Faiths Cemetery in Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Dudley, c/o the Deacon’s Fund, 135 Center Rd., Dudley, MA 01571.  Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.