Maureen Ann Austinson

Maureen Ann Austinson was born on November 26, 1935 to Dr. Harold and Myrtle (Meland) Heck. She was a proud graduate of Johnson High School and the University of Minnesota, where she not only earned a teaching degree but two Master's degrees. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa organizations for women educators for at least 55 years. She taught in Roseville Area Schools for 40 years and was a beloved 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. In the Roseville schools, she gained a lifelong friend and beloved partner, Lee Short. They loved and supported each other, raised great-grandchildren, traveled together by train to be with Lee's relatives in Louisiana, and were together when she unexpectedly died on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Maureen was very devoted to her church-Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill. She taught Sunday School for 23 years and shaped the life and faith of countless children, youth that she mentored, and families that she befriended. She was the representative who shared Bibles with 3rd graders for many years, helping families to fulfill a baptismal promise to "place in their hands the scriptures." Maureen sang in choir and loved art and purchased and gifted art, both to support local artists and to beautify the Gathering space. She was an ESL tutor with SE Asian Ministries and was very active in helping new immigrant Hmong artists to sell paj ntaub (pronounced pan dau) - Hmong story cloths. She was president of the CLC Women's group for more than 10 years and formed many close friendships. She passionately led the congregation's annual gift-gathering for Eagle's Nest, a shelter for women and children who escaped domestic violence. She is also remembered for sending cards on birthdays and other meaningful occasions, giving gifts and treats, and supporting youth in all the kinds of fundraisers for school, troops and clubs. Maureen also supported many other groups including the Landmark Center, the Sons of Norway, and Mindekirken-The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis. She loved the Minnesota Twins. She loved bowling and led an incredibly active life. Maureen loved to travel and visited many countries. She loved to celebrate holidays and enjoyed festive clothing. She loved when Lee brought her flowers. Maureen was preceded in death by her parents and brother Bradley Heck. Maureen is lovingly missed and remembered by Lee Short, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Margaret (Biorn) Heck, niece Kari Heck, nephew Andy Heck, cousins Gordon and Vida Meland, Susan Meland, Barbara Meland, and many other beloved family and friends. Blessed is the memory of Maureen Austinson, beloved child of God. Memorials may be directed to Christ on Capitol Hill, any of the organizations she supported, or to the family. Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill 105 University Ave West Saint Paul, MN 55103 A note about parking: due to significant State construction all around the church property, parking is limited. Please allow time to park. Street parking or parking in State Lot Q (small fee) is encouraged after the church lot is full. Visitation: 10 am Funeral: 11 am Lunch: Noon Burial at Forest Lawn cemetery

Tributes

Maureen Ann Austinson

November 26, 1935 - February 11, 2024

Tributes

Maureen Ann Austinson

November 26, 1935 - February 11, 2024

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