Helen Rae Spears Autin

Helen Rae Spears Autin passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, in her Westwego home on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, in her 76th year. She was born May 28, 1946, in Gretna, Louisiana, to the late Lemuel Ray Spears and the late Ethel Dugas Spears. Beloved wife of 59 years to Joseph (Joe) Autin. Cherished mother of Belinda Alonzo (the late Patrick (Pat) Rivers and Albert (Marty) Alonzo), Tanya Bryant (the late Jack (Jay) Bryant Jr.), and Darren Autin (Michelle Autin). Lovingly called “Ganny” to Patti-Rae, Mallorie, Kayla, Jesse, Jonah, Jared, Alexa, Emma, and Parker, and Great-Ganny to Patrick, Evan (deceased), Colt, Gary Jr., and Stella. She is preceded in death by her brother Lemuel Spears. She is survived by her sister, Leona Jeffcoat, sister-in-law Beverly Spears and her nieces Celeste Lueck, Dana Seymour, Penny Jeffcoat, and Ginger Spears. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Ruth Taix (George), and brother-in-law, Robert (Bobby) Autin (Debbie), and her nieces and nephews, Michele, Lonnie, Robie, Bobbie-Lynn, and Carla.

Helen was the owner of Helen’s Beauty Shop and worked as a hairdresser early on. After moving to Marrero, Louisiana, she became a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed spending time with friends on Fridays when all the girls would work on their current crafting projects at her house, and they would craft, talk, and laugh while the kids were at school. Her talents were many; she was an avid tennis player, loved all crafts, and painted too. After raising her children, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, receiving her diploma in 1999. Helen was an elementary teacher in Jefferson Parish and retired in 2013. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, painting, and crafting, but most of all, she loved being Ganny.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful help and care given by her caretakers in her final days. Helen will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Through many fond memories, our love for her will live on forever.