HELEN ( MIEZLAISKIS) AUSANKA

August 30, 1919 - November 22, 2011

Helen ( Miezlaiskis) Ausanka 92, of Simsbury, Ct. passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011,of congestive heart failure after a brief hospitalization. Her devoted family and many loving friends mourn our loss and celebrate her life. She was born August 30, 1919, to Anthony and Margaret (Samolis) Miezlaiskis in New Britain and was graduated from New Britain High School in 1937. In 1941 she married Joseph J. Ausanka and they lived in New Britain before moving to Tariffville in 1956. She became a resident of the McLean Wellness Center in 2000, after her husband's death in 1997. Helen was a capable, tireless worker, holding down a fulltime job while raising a family long before that became typical and excelling at both. She was employed by Connecticut General Life Insurance Company ( now CIGNA) in Bloomfield until her retirement as an executive assistant in CG Investment Management Company in 1977. She performed volunteer administrative work at McLean and took special pleasure in working at the McLean gift shop. Outside of work, Helen used her superb skills at sewing, tailoring, knitting and crocheting to craft one-of-a-kind items for home, family and friends. She was also a member of New Britain Lithuanian Senior Citizens and of St Bernard's Church and St Bernard's Ladies' Guild in Tariffville. She is survived by two daughters, Joellyn Ausanka of New York City and Jacqueline Ball of New York City and Seattle, WA; a son and beloved daughter-in-law, Joseph G. and Elizabeth Ausanka of Auburn, MA; grandchildren Ashley Ball ( husband Elliot Cundiff), Kristen Kelly( husband Mike Kelly) and Justin Ausanka; great-grandchildren Jack Kelly, Rose Kelly and Wilson Cundiff. Other survivors include five nieces, two nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Robert Meize. A private burial will take place in St Mary's Cemetery , New Britain on Tuesday November 29, 2011. A service will be held at the McLean Wellness Center Carling Chapel , 75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury, Ct 06070 on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 2:00pm. There will be no calling hours. Donations may be sent to the McLean Employee's Fund at the address above. Venskunas Funeral Home 670 Stanley St. New Britain is in charge of the arrangements. To send online condolences please go to www.venskunasfuneralhome.com