Helen Zelma Place Powell died on March 19, 2016. She was born in Norwich, NY on May 23, 1920.  She is predeceased by her husband Richard John Powell, her parents Edward Zephaniah Place and Ruth Bachman Place, her brothers John Frederick Place and Robert Edward Place, great-grandchildren the Asfoury twins, and her sister-in-law Joan P. Smiley. She is survived by her children Nancy Guido (Paul), Lawrence Powell (Nancy), Martha Bennett (Brad) and Edward Powell (Kathy); her grandchildren Deana Guido, Theresa Asfoury (Greg) and Maria Jones (Jason); great grandchildren Nathan Asfoury and Whitney Jones; brother-in-law Robert E. Powell (Glyndora), sister-in-law Elizabeth Place, brother-in-law Lawrence Smiley, as well as nieces and nephews.

  Helen was a graduate of Keuka College with a double major in English and History, and from SUNY Albany with a degree in Library Science. She worked as a reference librarian at Northwestern Law School in Chicago, Your Home Public Library, Johnson City, Johnson City School Librarian at Theodore Roosevelt School, and in retirement at the Tabernacle UM Church library. She kept her zest for knowledge and passion for reading to the end. Her grace, love for family/friends, and positive attitude are a inspiration for all who knew her. She was a lifelong member of the Tabernacle Methodist church.

  The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Good Shepherd Fairview Home for their loving care of Helen.

     Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 83 Main St. Binghamton. Burial will follow in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday at the Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, 483 Chenango St. Binghamton. Please wear purple if you can, and read a book in her honor. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Tabernacle Methodist Church or Broome County Council of Churches. Please sign the online guestbook at www.HEFUNERALHOME.com

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