Helen Blanche Bolyard (Bruno) Grigaliunas passed away peacefully April 22, 2026, at United Hospital in Bridgeport, WV. She was born on December 19, 1926, at the former Allegheny Heights Hospital in Davis, WV, to the late David E. and Vena Snyder Bolyard. Formerly from Rowlesburg, WV, Helen lived in Franklin, NC and Punta Gorda, FL, before returning to Buckhannon, WV, in 2008.
Like so many of her generation, Helen’s early years were often difficult, yet she never let past circumstances dampen her spirit, diminish her happiness or dull her wit. Helen was truly a beloved family member and a joy to know. She displayed her faith through her spiritual connection with others. Helen demonstrated love, empathy, gratitude and kindness to those fortunate enough to be her acquaintance, colleague, friend, pet or family.
After graduating from Aurora High School with the Class of 1944, she was married to Joseph E. Bruno, in 1946. They were married for 15 years until his untimely death in 1961. During the remainder of the 1960’s, Helen continued working at the Rowlesburg A&P Store until its closure. She was later employed at Preston Memorial Hospital and the Albright National Bank in Kingwood through the mid-1970’s. Helen married Frank A. Grigaliunas of Masontown, WV in 1974. The couple began their well-deserved retirement in 1977, eventually moving to Florida and later North Carolina before returning to Buckhannon. After Frank’s passing in 2012, Helen maintained her home in Buckhannon and spent her winter months at her RV home in Riverview, FL, with her dog, Sugar and cat, Joy until she could no longer travel. Maintaining her independent spirit, Helen, Sugar and Joy moved to Bridgeport, WV, in 2019, first to Maplewood and later to Crestview. After she was no longer mobile enough to live independently in 2024, Helen resided at Clarksburg Healthcare Center until her passing.
Helen’s life was enriched by friends, family, her pets and the simple pleasures she loved. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, crocheting, Bingo and playing card games. Helen is survived by her brother David H. Bolyard, of Culloden, WV, three step-children, Clare Grubbs of Falls Church, Va, Sandra Wrencher of Chicago, Il and Gail Lawley and husband Gerry, of Bradenton, FL and her cat, Joy. She was preceded in death by her sister, Geraldine Dusky and two step-children, Linda Kelly and Frank Grigaliunas Jr, as well as her parents and spouses.
The family is extremely grateful for the compassionate caring staff at Clarksburg Healthcare Center, as well as the parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church, whose visits bolstered Helen’s spiritual and emotional well-being. Helen’s life was enriched due to their diligent maintenance of an outdoor bird feeding station within view of her bed.
At the request of the deceased, her body was cremated. A graveside service will be officiated by the Rev. Fr. Joyson Puthussery Varghese on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Thomas, WV, where her remains will be inurned beside her late husband Frank. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Calvary Cemetery, PO Box 300, Thomas, WV 26292-0300 or your local animal charity.
