Helena T. Powell

Helena T. (Gutkowski) Powell, 97, formerly of Natick, MA, died peacefully and comfortably on September 7, 2025 at Tockwotton on the Waterfront in East Providence, RI after a period of declining health.

She was born in Worcester, MA on February 17, 1928 and the daughter of the late Ludwik A. Gutkowski and Sophie J. (Lemanski) Gutkowski. She was the wife for 66 years of the late William S. Powell who died on December 1, 2016. Helena was the sister of the late Matthew L. Gutkowski; Janet S. Bagdis and Irene C. Kapatoes. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, grand-great nieces and grand-great nephews. She was affectionately known to many as “Auntie Lee.”

After graduating from Worcester Commerce High School, she continued her education at Salter Secretarial School. She was employed by the Jenney Oil Company in Chestnut Hill, MA for over 50 years, last serving as Assistant to the Treasurer.

Lee married William Powell in 1950, and in 1953 they purchased their first (and only) home at 3 Appleton Road in Natick—fondly known as “the pink house.” They hosted endless poolside gatherings and holiday parties for friends and family, filled with laughter, good food and homemade Polish pastries. Lee and her husband made special efforts to attend birthdays, graduations, weddings, baby showers, and other special occasions for their many nieces and nephews. She loved to golf and enjoyed winter trips to Florida to visit with friends.

Lee will be remembered her quiet strength, kind heart, and thoughtful gestures throughout the years.

She was a longtime communicant with her husband William at Saint Zepherin Church in Cochituate. Private family services were held on September 11, 2025 at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. Interment followed in the family lot in Saint Zepherin Cemetery in Wayland.