Obituary: Helen Koziel, 109, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother

Helen Len Koziel, 109, of Orange, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at Connecticut Hospice, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, generosity, and a perpetual smile. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph S. Koziel, to whom she was married for 75 years.

Born September 27, 1916, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Helen was the daughter of Ignatious and Victoria (Jara) Len. Raised on a family farm in Old Lyme during the Great Depression, she learned early the values of hard work and perseverance; qualities that guided her through more than a century of life.

After marriage, Helen settled in Fair Haven, where she raised her family for 40 years before moving to Orange. She retired in 1978 after 30 years with International Paper, where she worked as a quality control inspector.

Helen remained remarkably active and engaged well into her later years. A parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church in New Haven since 1940, she was also deeply involved in her community through volunteerism, lifelong friendships, and regular exercise and social groups.

Since her 100th birthday, the Town of Orange honored her annually with a “Honk for Helen” parade.

An avid reader, world traveler, and lifelong learner, Helen attended theater performances, followed her great-grandchildren’s activities, played games on her laptop, and continued to inspire all who knew her with her optimism and kindness. When asked about her secret to longevity, she would say faith, family, and friends.

She is survived by her children, Joseph (Joan) Koziel of Middletown and Barbara (Vincent) Schmidt of Orange; grandchildren Jeffrey (Robin), Christopher (Kathy), Jennifer, and Elizabeth, five great-grandchildren, and many others who called her Babcia.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Michael McGivney Parish at St. Stanislaus Church (corner of State and Eld Streets) in New Haven. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Colchester will be private.

The Lupinski Funeral Home, Inc. is in care of her arrangements. Share a memory and sign Helen’s tribute page at www.lupinskifuneralhome.com