Elena Dora "Helen" (Accornero) Gutzmer, 90, lifelong resident of Manchester, beloved wife of Walter F. Gutzmer died Monday (October 7, 2013). Born in Manchester, she was the daughter of the late Albino and Carolina (DiGioriolamo) Gutzmer. She was valedictorian of Manchester High School Class of 1937, worked at Cheney Brothers, and volunteered with the Manchester Ambulance Unit during WWII. 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 5 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 VNA, Masonicare Hospice and Homemakers and Companions for their care and compassion. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday (October 11th) at 11:00 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 West Center St. Manchester on Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the CT Audubon Society 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824, or CT 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.