Mary Helen Sutton Pelurie, 96, of St. Albans, West Virginia, passed away on April 3, 2026. She lived independently in her home until just weeks before her passing. She was born June 3, 1929, in Sistersville, West Virginia, to David Dewey Sutton and Mary Goldsmith Sutton, and was raised in Sistersville, WV.

Mary attended Swarthmore College, and Parsons School of Design in NYC where she studied interior design, and developed a lifelong appreciation for art and creative pursuits. She was especially passionate about weaving, beginning her work with the Lucy Quarrier Weavers, where she combined her love of textiles and design to create beautiful handwoven pieces. Many of these pieces were donated to charitable fundraising events around WV. In her younger years, she enjoyed riding horses, snow skiing in Canaan Valley, as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Greenbrier River. She was also active with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra in the 1970s, and volunteered her time to various organizations.

Mary will be remembered as a reserved woman of strong character and generosity, with a sharp eye for detail and a firm, no-nonsense nature. She was actively involved with her grandchildren, picking them up from school, shuttling them to activities, and sharing her love of art and nature with them. They remember her steady presence and playful banter. Mary’s generosity extended beyond her family as she quietly supported numerous charitable organizations over the years. She was an avid reader, particularly of history, art, nature, and the classics. She enjoyed watching West Virginia songbirds at her well-filled feeders and loved caring for her plants.

Mary is survived by her son, Robert Frederick Thaw, his wife, Laura Bly Thaw, and grandchildren, Carolyn Rea and Robert William. Thaw. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin B. Pelurie, and her sister, Martha Ammon.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM, April 17, 2026, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Virginia Public Broadcasting or a charity of choice.  Mary Helen will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.