Helen Yutenkas

After a long and fulfilling life, Helen Szymolon Yutenkas passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Masonicare inWallingford at 101. She was the wife of the late Joseph S. Yutenkas and the last of the seven children of the late Franciszek and Teofila Kania Szymolon. Born in New Haven on April 10, 1921, Helen lived all of her life there within walking distance of her beloved St. Stanislaus Church. She was known for her joie de vivre, generous spirit and sense of style and her love of all thingsmusical. She was an executive secretary at theWorld Headquarters of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven for 25 years and then worked as an usher at the Shubert and Palace Theaters and for Orchestra New England. She appeared in severalmusicals, including the 3 Penny Opera, No No Nanette, The Children’s Hour and in the opera, Peter Grimes with the Yale Symphony Orchestra, as well as in many benefitmusical revues. She was also a tap dancer with the Twilight Tappers until the age of 90 and played with several banjo ensembles. An accomplished seamstress, she created many costumes for Helen Senay’s Dance Studio and for her two daughters when they performed as Debbie and the Darnels, a professional rock singing group. She will forever be remembered by her loving children, Dorothy Y. Mutkoski of Cheshire, Joseph (Connie) Yutenkas ofWest Haven; three grandsons, RichardMutkoski (Melissa) of Florida, JohnMutkoski (Kim) and Christopher Mutkoski (Elane), both of Massachusetts; eight greatgrandchildren, along with countless nieces and nephews, especially Henrietta, Donna and Renee who aided her in her later years; and an amazing array of friends, including her caregiver Virginia. She was predeceased by her daughter, Joan Hott; her son-in-law, John J. Mutkoski; her six sisters and brothers, Laurette (Lottie) Dextradeur, Zymunt Symolon, Sophie Juzwiakowski, Regina Koscinski, William Symolon and Henry Szymolon; and her wonderful companion and dancing partner, Larry Estep.

Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 7pm in the Lupinski Funeral Home, Inc., 821 State Street, New Haven. AMass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Helen’s faithful nephew, Rev. Lawrence Symolon, Friday morning at 11 in St. Stanislaus Church. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her memory may bemade to St. Stanislaus Church, 9 Eld Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Share a memory and sign Helen’s guestbook online at www.lupinskifuneralhome.com