PERRINE

HELEN ELIZABETH

Helen Elizabeth Perrine passed away peacefully, on July 16, 2026, with loved ones by her side. While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, Helen left the world a better place.

Helen's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose happiest moments were spent surrounded by the laughter of her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Charles Perrine. In May, they celebrated this milestone anniversary.

Their story began when they were in college. Charlie arrived at Helen's parents' home to pick her up for their very first date. That miniature golf date blossomed into six decades of shared adventures, challenges, celebrations, and a lifetime of beautiful memories. Through every season of life, Helen and Charlie faced joys and hardships hand-in-hand.

Helen's compassion extended far beyond her own family. She dedicated her professional life to improving the lives of others, becoming a true pioneer in the field of energy efficiency and affordable housing. Beginning her career with Conservation Consultants in the early 1980s, she later joined Action Housing, where she found great purpose in helping families obtain and remain in safe, comfortable homes.

Helen was what Fred Rogers would call a helper. One accomplishment close to Helen's heart was helping secure air conditioning for a low-income high-rise in Pittsburgh's Hill District, improving the quality of life for residents. She served on the Governor's Energy Council under the Thornburgh Administration, and was the founder and first executive director of Affordable Comfort, a nonprofit organization that continues her vision today as The Building Performance Association. Through her work, Helen helped transform the way people and policy makers think about building performance and left an enduring mark on the industry. She was a faithful member and elder of the Presbyterian Church for many years, living out her faith through service, generosity, and kindness.

Helen embraced life's adventures through travel. She researched her destinations, immersing herself in different cultures and history. Her journeys took her to Cape Cod, Key West, Taos, New Orleans, Monterey, Colorado, France, Switzerland, England. Helen loved to collect artwork and memories along the way.

Helen had a gift for building community. She loved planning a party for holidays, birthdays, and family celebrations, making everyone feel welcome and having a great time. Her parties were filled with laughter, delicious food, and lively conversation. She was a gifted cook who had a talent for finding new recipes and trendy eateries. She was famously unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit, delighting in friendly but fierce competition.

Helen was a true trailblazer — a woman whose leadership opened doors for others in the nonprofit and energy efficiency industries. But none of the titles or accolades meant as much to her as her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren who all competed to be first to crack her up. Those who had the privilege of knowing her treasure her measured wisdom, her strength of character, and her signature trait: quiet but lavish kindness.

Helen's legacy lives on through the lasting impact of her professional achievements, the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the countless acts of kindness that made the world brighter because she was in it.

In addition to her husband, Charles, Helen is survived by her children: Charles Neal Perrine III (Melanie Thibodeau), Jennifer Luitwieler (Kurt Luitwieler) and Shannon Radinick (Kenneth Radinick); along with their grandchildren: Ace, Bronwyn, Elliot, Jane, Paul, Catherine, Jackson and Cooper.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2040 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026. A luncheon will follow in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church's Helen Perrine Memorial, https://onrealm.org/WestminsterChurchUSC/-/form/give/now. Please select the General Fund, where there will be set up a memorial fund for Helen Perrine. Donations will go directly to Westminster's Refugee Resettlement Project. Please add or view tributes at:

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