Helen Delores Bean

Helen Delores Bean, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Fairmont, West Virginia, just two weeks shy of her 83rd birthday.

Born in Methuen, Massachusetts, on June 8, 1942, Helen was the daughter of Genevieve (Mockevicius) and Harvey Thomas. In 1965, she married Charles Bean, and together they shared nearly 60 years of devoted marriage—marked by steady love, faithfulness through thick and thin, and a life built side by side. Charles survives her.

Helen and Charles made their home in California from 1965 until 1999, where they raised their daughter and built a life filled with family, good food, and love. In her later years, Helen lived in Colorado, spent time in Iowa, and lived her last few years in Fairmont, West Virginia, surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her daughter Marion and husband Dana; grandchildren Christina, Catherine, and Charlene; and great-grandchildren Danny, Nathan, Kolbe, Vincent, Leo, and Seraphina (Christina’s children), Kira, Arya, and Talia (Catherine’s), and Cody (Charlene’s). Her brothers, Joseph and James Thomas, also survive her.

Helen was a talented, if messy, baker, known especially for her homemade bread, biscuits, and signature tea rings. “Possie Stew” was a family staple, and her kitchen along with some recipes from her Lithuanian heritage. Her grandchildren will forever remember secret candy stashes.

A devoted animal lover, Helen shared her life with several beloved dogs over the years—Blackie, Bug, Buffy, Heidi, and Gypsie—each one a loyal companion.

A private family gathering was held in her honor.