Former Sitkan Helen Austin Dies in Anchorage at Age 72

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Category: Obituaries

Created on Wednesday, 04 August 2021 15:36

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Helen Louise Austin

Helen Louise Austin was born June 2, 1949, in Burbank, California. She passed away on July 5, 2021, in Anchorage at the age of 72. 

Helen was the oldest daughter of the six children of James Leeroy “Lee” Coleman and Mary Jane Bixby. Her siblings included Dave Coleman, Mike Coleman (deceased June 30, 2002), Larry Coleman, Mary Ellen Strehlo and Carol Wilburn. 

In 1960, Helen’s parents moved to Anchorage, where she went to Clark Junior High and East High School. In 1966 the Coleman family moved to Sitka, where Helen graduated from Sitka High School. Helen married Gregory Keith “Bo” Austin December 12, 1968, and they had two children, Keith Sean Austin and Mistie Lee Austin. Bo and Helen raised their family primarily in Sitka where Helen worked at Alaska Lumber and Pulp. 

The Austins moved to Anchorage in 1984, but also spent time in Juneau and Kotzebue.  Helen worked as a baker in Sitka, Juneau and Anchorage, including Lakeside Grocery, The Fiddlehead, UAA, The Hilton, The Sheraton and the Governor’s Mansion Christmas Party. 

Helen had such a generous soul, always bringing joy through her gift of baking. She made the most beautiful and delectable desserts and would often donate trays of desserts for every event and gathering her children or grandchildren attended. Even if a friend needed baked goods for an event, suddenly 200 cookies and mini tarts would appear at the doorstep. A favorite recipe of Helen’s were her famous decadence and peanut butter pie.

She spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren – Ryan Austin, Alexander Austin, Nicholas Austin and Annabelle Austin – teaching them her recipes and techniques. Helen’s love was shared from the kitchen where she spent a great deal of time with the whole family. She had a stool that she always sat on in the kitchen, and this is where her children and grandchildren would gather.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Jane, and her brother Mike. She is survived by her husband, Bo Austin; her children, Keith Austin and Misitie Austin; and grandchildren Ryan Austin, Alexander Austin, Nicholas Austin and Annabelle Austin.

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