Helen Blaney

Helen Virginia Blaney

September 23, 1937 to February 20, 2026

A bright light with a gentle, loving smile and a generous soul, Helen Viriginia Blaney passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Gulfport, MS.

Helen was born in Charlottsville, Virginia on September 23, 1937, to George Anderson and Virginia Wayne Andrson. She had one brother, Roger Anderson. Both her parents and her brother preceded her in death.

Helen lived most of her life in the Washington, DC area and Virginia. She was married to Willard Blaney until his death on May 13, 2011. Helen was a secretary for the U.S. Navy, and she also worked for the Department of Justice. Helen was smart, kind-hearted and loved living on the MS Gulf Coast. Before moving to the MS Gulf Coast, she resided in Florida.

Helen was a member of the Old Town Presbyterian Church (OTPC) in Bay St. Louis, MS where she lovingly greeted members and visitors on Sunday morning. Attending church service was very important to her. She loved staying for the fellowship activities following the service. She also enjoyed greeting a young child, Ryan Hinton, the grandson of Dorothy Roberts. This selfless act of love towards Ryan led to a deep relationship between Dorothy and Helen.

Helen lived at Seashore Highlands Assisted Living Community from September 2025 until her death. She was an active participant and expressed she enjoyed living there. She made friends easily with her table mates and enjoyed sitting outside under the portico. On February 4, 2026, Helen was crowned Duchess of Seashore Highlands at their Mardi Gras parade. She loved wearing the sparkling tiara!

After a brief hospitalization at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, Helen transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospice center where she was lovingly cared for until her passing. Helen’s friends express their gratitude to Dr. David LaRosa, Helen’s primary care physician for many years, the staff at Seashore Highlands, the 6th floor nursing staff at Memorial Hospital and the nursing staff and Chaplain Eric Dickey at St. Joseph’s Hospice. They all played an important role in the latter part of Helen’s life.

While Helen had no biological children and no known next of kin, she had wonderful friendships with her Old Town Presbyterian Church family, the residents and staff at Seashore Highland, and her friends at Cambridge Cottage apartments in Waveland, where she resided from 2020 to 2025. While living there, she loved visits from her friends, especially those with small children.

Helen leaves to mourn her passing a host of friends from the Cambridge Cottage apartment complex, Seashore Highlands Community, Sandra and Billy Power, Judy Demarest, Halle Ricketts, OTPC members, Rev. Richard and Belva Gillespie and Dorothy Roberts. Prior to her passing, Helen expressed her deepest gratitude to all who looked after her ensuring she was loved, safe and well cared for.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to send donations to honor Helen Blaney to Old Town Presbyterian Church, 114 Ulman Ave Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 or Seashore Highland Assistive Living Community, 12170 Highland Way Gulfport, MS 39503.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Old Town Presbyterian Church, 114 Ulman Ave Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.

Burial will follow the service at the Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. with interment with her beloved husband, Willard Blaney.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the Blaney family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .