Helen Stavridou Astin

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Hampshire College Mount Mary University Saint Mary's College St. Mary's University University of California Los Angeles University of Maryland

Helen Astin Obituary

February 6, 1932 - October 27, 2015 Helen "Lena" S. Astin, Distinguished Professor Emerita at UCLA, passed away on October 27 at her home in Brentwood. Lena was recognized and honored professionally for her pioneering research and activism related to the higher education of women, and those who knew her were most touched by her loving heart, warmth, mentorship, and infectious optimism. Helen (Stavridou) Astin was born on February 6, 1932 in Serres, Greece, the second child of Pericles and Sotiria Stavrides. Her 2014 memoir, "The Road From Serres: A Feminist Odyssey," describes her experiences growing up in Nazi-occupied Greece, her journey across the sea as a 19-year old to pursue higher education in America, her marriage and family, and her career as a scholar and activist. Lena met her husband, Alexander "Sandy" Astin, in 1954 when they were both psychology doctoral students at the University of Maryland. They married in 1956. In 1973, the Astins accepted professorships at UCLA where they remained until their retirement in 2002. Lena helped found the UCLA Center for the Study of Women and served as its Interim Director. The author of 14 books, Lena served as a trustee of both Hampshire College in Massachusetts and Mt. St. Mary's College in Los Angeles. She mentored hundreds of doctoral students, influencing many young lives through both her keen intellectual counsel and vibrant, open-hearted spirit. Lena is survived by her husband, Sandy, sons John and Paul, daughter-in-law Jenny Griffiths, nephew Alex Stavrides, and three granddaughters Erin, Amal�a, and Ila Astin. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in Lena's memory be made to UCLA's Astin Civic Engagement Scholars Program.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Astin

10 Entries

Lynn DiLorenzo (formerly Safarik)

November 21, 2015

I just learned of dear Lena's passing. I am overcome with grief that the world has lost this beautiful and brilliant woman. Lena was my advisor and mentor at UCLA who inspired me to be a passionate teacher and feminist. Years after I left UCLA I called upon her for guidance and support and she never failed me. She always believed in me and helped me through more struggles than she was ever aware of. I am so happy that she wrote her memoire; I will treasure it. Much love to Sandy and her family. My heart is full of gratitude for dear Lena's life, love and legacy.

November 19, 2015

Dearest Sandy, and your wonderful Family,
We recently made a donation to your fund at UCLA, and today we received a. UCLA gift receipt.
" in memory of Helen S. Astin
In honor of Alexander W. Astin"

We share your loss of Lena .
May her memories comfort and sustain you as they will mine.

Lovingly yours,
Mimi and Kurt Jacobsohn
Milwaukee,WI

November 6, 2015

No words can express my love & admiration for Lena. I feel closer to Lena, Sandy, John & Paul than I do to any relatives other than my immediate family. It's hard to imagine that the bright, warm spirit that was Lena has left us. RIP.

November 5, 2015

Dear family, may the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure the loss of your loved one, Lena. (Psalm 83:18) And, may you be comforted by the support of friends and family during this time.

November 4, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Lena and Sandy at HERI from 1999 until their retirement. There are NO WORDS to describe what an intelligent, kind, giving etc. woman Lena was. My heart is broken to hear this sad news.

Doreen Garcia

November 4, 2015

Lena was one of the most influential people in my life. She inspired me, encouraged me, and loved me as I went forward in my life after we first met at UCLA. I was her student literally and figuratively. She taught me to be myself and that I could be a feminist living in the mainstream to make positive social change. She is forever in my heart.

Jacki Allen

November 4, 2015

A wonderful role model has left us but she leaves behind many whose lives were touched by her with a positive light.

Paul Astin

November 3, 2015

I feel deeply blessed to have had such a loving and authentically giving mom!

E. Abernathy

November 3, 2015

To the Family of:
Helen Stavridou ("Lena") Astin

So sorry for loss of such a wonderful lady.

May her memories bring great joy to your hearts.

Please be assured that the Creator of Life has seen your tears, and heard your out cries. He has promised to
to removed all Sickness, Death, Pain and Sorrow. What a future to look forward too!!!!

May the God of Comfort, Comfort you at this time.

Linda Perkins

November 3, 2015

Lena Astin was a tremendous inspiration to me. I met her decades ago when I was a Fellow and late Assistant Director of the Mary Ingraham Bunting Institute at Radcliffe College. I came to know her and admire her - both of us were in the field of higher education and concentrated on women. She was kind, generous with her support and a wonderful person to know. My life has been enriched by knowing her.

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