Elena Dora "Helen" Gutzmer

Elena Dora "Helen" (Accornero) Gutzmer, 90, lifelong resident of Manchester, beloved wife of Walter F. Gutzmer, passed away with family by her side on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013.

Born in Manchester, she was the daughter of the late Albino and Carolina (DiGirolamo) Gutzmer. She was valedictorian of Manchester High School Class of 1937, worked at Cheney Bros., and volunteered with the Manchester Ambulance Unit during World War II. Elena was an avid reader, gardener, and bird enthusiast.

Besides her husband she is survived by her son, William Gutzmer, and his wife, Diane, of Vernon; grandsons, Erick Gutzmer, and his wife, Lindsay, of Tolland, and Mark Gutzmer of New York; son, David Gutzmer of Vernon, granddaughters, Rachel Gutzmer and fiancé, Tom Ficarra, of Somers, Rebecca Crewell and family of Broad Brook; and daughter, Gail (Gutzmer), and her husband, Jeff Peck; grandchildren, Christopher and Kathryn Peck of Manchester. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren; her sister, Gilda Kravontka, her children Carolyn, Michael, and Paul; and nephew, Edward Custer of New Hampshire. She also joins her best friends, Rose Dumas and Alice Duff, in heaven.

Elena's family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff of Manchester Manor, the Visiting Nurse Association, Masonicare Hospice, and Homemakers and Companions for their care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. James Church, 896 Main St., Manchester, followed by burial in St. James Cemetery.

Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St., Manchester, on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield, CT 06824; or Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road Newington, CT 06111; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

For online condolences please visit

www.tierneyfuneralhome.com