Jean Austin Medrek Obituary
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Jean Austin Medrek of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Jean Austin left this world on October 26, 2025 at the age of 96, leaving a void in the lives of so many people. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Joseph Austin and Grace Austin (Johnson); her husband Dr. John J. Medrek; and her son Timothy. She is survived by: her siblings, Elaine Meyer of Townshend, VT, Carol Johnson of West Chesterfield, NH and Larry Austin (Judy) of Montpelier, VT.; her grandchildren, Katie Leas-Medrek (Mollye), Kevin Medrek, Michael Medrek (Stefanie), Brian Medrek (Mia), Jack Medrek, Ben Medrek, Sarah Patzwahl, Austin Patzwahl (Lindsay), Jessica Patzwahl, Mike (FI), Renae Whissel, Joel Whissel, Jamison Medrek (Katie), Devin Medrek, Savannah (FI) and Emily Murray (Ryan); and her great grandchildren, Charlie and Lucas Medrek. She is also survived by her six children, as well as fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home (220 N Main St, East Longmeadow, MA 01028). A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 12:00 PM at the St. Michael's Church (128 Maple St, East Longmeadow, MA 01028). She began volunteering with Rachel's Table in 1995 and continued until the program paused during the pandemic at which time she was recognized as their longest serving volunteer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission (springfieldrescuemission.org), Shriners Hospitals for Children (http://www.shrinerschildrens.org), or St. Michael's Church in East Longmeadow (http://www.stmichaelsel.org).
