Helen Lorraine Blyshak

Helen L. Blyshak, 89, of Greensboro, NC died peacefully on December 26th, 2024. She was the fifth of six children born to John and Margaret Deren. Helen grew up in Houston, PA and graduated from Chartiers High School in Meadowlands, PA. When she was in her teens, Helen met the love of her life at the town movie theater and married William (Bill) Blyshak at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, PA in 1954. The couple lived in Portland, OR for a short time and in Washington, PA while Bill finished his degree at Washington & Jefferson College. Soon after, they moved to Clearwater, FL for Bill’s new teaching position.

Helen and Bill’s first “home” in Clearwater was an apartment above the Tick Tock Lounge, which was owned by brother-in-law Harry Waschak and Harry’s brother John. Helen and Bill purchased their first home in Largo, FL and eventually moved to a home in Clearwater. Helen loved walking the beach and pier fishing with Bill. The couple often visited local attractions like Sunken Gardens, Busch Gardens, and the Kapok Tree with family and friends. Helen and her husband were founding and long-time members of the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Clearwater. They lived in the Clearwater area for almost 50 years.

Helen’s favorite high school job was working at Jeffrey’s Drugstore in Canonsburg, PA where she made treats for customers at the soda fountain. After moving to Florida, she held a position at R.M. Thompson Construction Co. with responsibility for accounting and contracts. In the early 1960’s she changed her focus to stay home and raise the couple’s two children. In 1978, Helen accepted a position with the Pinellas County School System. She worked in the office at Clearwater High School for several years and then transitioned to a position in the Planning and Policy Department where she worked until she retired in 1995. After enjoying retirement in Florida for 12 years, Helen moved with Bill to Greensboro, NC to live close to their daughter and grandchildren. Both became members of Guilford College United Methodist Church in Greensboro.

Helen was a devoted wife to Bill and loving mom to Lisa and Chris. At the time of her death, Helen had been married to Bill for more than 70 years. She loved to dance and paint ceramics. She was also a skilled seamstress who enjoyed many types of sewing projects. Though Helen did not have the opportunity to pursue a design career, she was a designer at heart. Her sewing projects were done with professional-level skill. Helen was fun and feisty. She was always a caring confidant for family members and friends who needed support. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed watching them grow up. More recently, Helen was very delighted to become a great-grandmother.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Margaret Bellis Deren and John Deren. She was also predeceased by her three brothers John Deren of Houston, PA, Edward Deren of Canonsburg, PA and Andrew Deren of Washington, PA. She is survived by her husband, William Blyshak of Greensboro, NC, daughter Lisa Thomas (Mark) of Greensboro, NC, son Christopher Blyshak of Houston, TX, granddaughter Margaret Bailey (Thomas), grandson William Thomas, and great-grandson Joseph Bailey. She is also survived by sister Lillian Graves of Center Point, IN, sister Marlene Deren of Houston, PA, and nephew Carl Graves of Center Point, IN. In addition, she is survived by nieces on Bill’s side of the family whom she loved very much.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to the Pastor’s Fund at Guilford College United Methodist Church, 1205 Fleming Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.