Jean Austin Medrek

1929 - 2025

Jean Austin Medrek, 96, a beloved and longtime resident of East Longmeadow, MA, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025 with devoted family at her side.. Born on May 14, 1929, in Brattleboro, Vermont, she was the eldest child of Joseph and Grace (Johnson) Austin. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John J. Medrek, a highly respected family physician, in 1989, and her youngest son Timothy in 2014.
Jean graduated as valedictorian of Saint Michael's High School in 1947 and went on to earn a degree in history from the University of Vermont in 1951. The summer after her graduation, she was selected by the Brattleboro Community Ambassador Program to represent her hometown in England. For two months, she lived with a family in Newcastle, immersing herself in the culture. Upon returning, Jean gave several presentations to the local clubs that had sponsored her, sharing her experiences abroad. She then spent three years in Washington, DC in the office of Vermont's US Senator George Aiken. It was during this time that she met her future husband on a blind date. Jack and Jean married in 1955 and ultimately settled in East Longmeadow where they raised their six children and Jack established his practice as a family practitioner. Following Dr. Medrek's passing, Jean became an active member of the Over the Hill Gang. With her adventurous spirit and warm, welcoming nature, she traveled extensively, forging lasting friendships while hiking, biking, and skiing across the United States and Europe.
One of Jean's most cherished legacies was her heartfelt tradition of taking each of her 14 grandchildren on an Elderhostel trip upon their 10th birthday. She encouraged them to choose their own destination, resulting in adventures that spanned the United States and Canada. These special trips became a source of pride for Jean and created lasting memories and treasured stories for both her and her grandchildren.
Jean was very active in both St. Michael's Church and the wider community. She served as a eucharistic minister for St. Michael's, offering communion to the homebound. 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. Her commitment to service extended to many other organizations, including Wesson Memorial Hospital, STCC's English as a Second Language program, the Science Museum, East Longmeadow Garden Club and Springfield elementary schools. In addition, Jean served as president of the Hampden Medical Society Auxiliary in the late 1970s. Jean also found time to enjoy hobbies such as painting and sketching, playing bridge, and was an avid reader.
Jean is survived by five of her six children, as well as fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her youngest son, Timothy (Laurie Daniels Medrek, wife), who passed away on September 4, 2014. She is dearly missed by Tom (Kathy) Medrek of Windham, NH, Ted (Laurie) of Hampstead, NH, Paul (Rachel) of Somers, CT, Barbara Patzwahl (David) of Canaan, NY, and Rosemary Whissel of Lakewood, CO.
Jean leaves her two sisters, Elaine Meyer of Townshend, VT and Carol Johnson of West Chesterfield, NH, as well as her brother Larry Austin (Judy) of Montpelier, VT.
The grandchildren include 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) ), Emily Murray (Ryan), and two great-grandchildren, Charlie and Lucas Medrek.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission (springfieldrescuemission.org), Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/new-england), or St. Michael's Church in East Longmeadow (www.stmichaelsel.org).
Visiting hours will be Tuesday, November 4th, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA. The Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 PM at St. Michael's Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, with burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Rd, Springfield. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon afterward.