Helen Mary Naufel

Helen Mary Joseph Naufel, age 96, of Austin, Texas passed from our world into the next on October 1, 2021. Helen was born on May 25, 1925 in Austin. She was the tenth of fifteen children born to Shikrey and Jenny Joseph. Helen was a daughter, wife, mother, aunt and friend to all. The family was raised on First Street in a two-bedroom, one-bath house where eventually a sleeping porch was added for the growing brood. The home later became a gathering place for the next generations, as well as neighbors and friends. Lunch was served every day of the year to anyone and everyone. A favorite meal was Helen's fried chicken. Helen attended the downtown Saint Mary's Academy. While she and some friends were horse-back riding on Lamar, she met her future husband Hank Naufel. They settled in South Austin on Frazier Street and had their daughter Cynthia. Hank eventually opened a fried chicken restaurant on Lamar, and Helen devoted much of her time to helping him run the restaurant. No one is sure if that famous fried chicken recipe was hers or his. After his passing, and then the later 2003 passing of her beloved Cynthia, Helen moved in with her sister Genevieve. The sisters were inseparable and as close as twins. They loved to shop at Highland Mall and play bingo, often with sister Rose in tow. They loved sharing meals of fast food and Pepsi. Helen is predeceased by her husband Hank, her daughter Cynthia, and siblings Mary, Martha, Rose, Mitchell, Albert, Jimmy, Charlie, Paul, Rose Mary, Howard, Harold. She is survived by her sister Genevieve, brother Robert Joseph and wife Doris, brother Raymond Joseph and wife Vivian, sister-in-law Maryann Joseph and many nephews and nieces she loved and adored. All will miss her guaranteed, "I love you, Honey!" Special thanks go to niece Patti Joseph and nephew David Joseph for their dedication and devotion in caring for Helen. Pallbearers are Michael Kouri, Dennis Ciani, David Joseph, Paul Joseph, Robby Sharp and Howard Joseph. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Kouri, Sammy Tannous, Richard Ferris, Dennis Fink and Morris Joseph. Funeral services are under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar. The family will have visitation on Wednesday, October 6th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, with the rosary to follow at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Louis Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 7th, followed by the interment at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Austin. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Naufel family.