Helen Calhoun Grier

Walt Disney once said, “Life is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family,” words that characterize Helen Grier’s life. Born Helen Edna Calhoun on November 18, 1932, to Helen R. Calhoun and John S. Calhoun in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Helen grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. She was a young lady of many accomplishments - taking on a paper route, working as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and counseling at her mother’s and aunt’s camp, Echo Hill. Moreover, she was a Lifetime Girl Scout, a rare achievement, having reached First Class rank.

Beyond her early accomplishments, Helen was also athletic and artistic. Throughout her time at Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C., she spent her days playing varsity field hockey, dancing, drawing, and painting. She went on to Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, graduating and then starting her career in teaching and working with troubled youth, generously giving her time to support others.

Helen met her future husband Charles Grier on a blind date, and they were subsequently married in August of 1956. They moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1960, where they raised their four children. Though Helen loved teaching, she decided to devote her life to her family. Her belief in the value of education remained strong and was manifest in her life-long support for and involvement with both Sidwell Friends School and Hood College. Her altruistic spirit led her to spend countless hours volunteering at St. Michael’s School, St. Mark’s School, Hockaday School, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. She was also very involved in neighborhood, civic, and cultural activities.

Helen’s artistic energy was ever-present: in her house, her style, in the sewing and craft projects that she loved to do. She relished traveling all over the world, and she cherished the opportunity to do so with her family. She also enjoyed socializing with her many friends, reading, dining out, and spending time boating and fishing. Helen was dearly loved by her family, and being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild was how she preferred to spend her time. Mostly, Helen will be remembered for her kind and sunny disposition, delightful wit, and sense of humor; nothing was so terrible that she couldn’t find a silver lining. She has created endless fond memories for those who spent time with her and while she will be missed terribly, a big smile will always emerge from those memories.

Helen Grier passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, January 14, 2022. She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Grier, her parents, Helen and John Calhoun, and her brothers, John “Jack” and Fred Calhoun. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Charles Grier, her children John Grier (Ellen), Susan Grier (Kevin Gillette), and Robin Vettoretti (Paul); her grandchildren Sarah Zaldana (Joshua), Daniel Gillette, Nicole Gillette, Alexander Grier, Justin Grier, Aniana Grier, Joseph Vettoretti, Charlie Vettoretti, and Megan Vettoretti; and her great-grandchild Nathaniel Zaldana. A private family burial was held, Sunday, January 22, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either of the following:

Arthritis Foundation

P.O. Box 96280

Washington D.C. 20077

www.arthritis.org

SPCA of Texas

2400 Lone Star Dr

Dallas, TX 75212

www.spca.org