Hellen Caladino

After 80 years of living life on her own terms, our beloved mother, Hellen Caladino, left us quietly on November 12, 2026, leaving behind a family who will forever cherish her memory.

Born and raised in New Bern, North Carolina, to Helen Grantham Neely and Richard Austin Neely, Hellen was a lively, adventurous soul from the very beginning. At just seven years old, she joined the Brownies and went on to spend her youth dedicated to Girl Scouting, advancing through the ranks and earning numerous honors along the way. Some of her fondest childhood memories were made during summers spent riding horseback on her grandfather's farm and swimming in the waters of the Neuse River, experiences that helped shape the adventurous, independent spirit she carried throughout her life.

Hellen carried her adventurous spirit into adulthood, never one to turn down a good time, a crowded dance floor, an invite to the drag races or the chance to bring joy and laughter to those around her. She was known for her quick wit and perfectly delivered sarcasm, a gift she held onto right up until the very end. With Hellen, you always knew where you stood, and often, she made her point with a hilarious one-liner that left everyone laughing.

After 30 years with Martin Marietta Aggregates, Hellen enjoyed a well-earned retirement. She exchanged the daily grind for dirt under her fingernails, finding joy and contentment in gardening. An animal lover through and through, Hellen cherished the unconditional love and companionship of the faithful dogs she shared her life with over the years. She cherished the opportunity to spend more time with her children and never lost her knack for keeping us all on our toes, a role she carried out with love, humor, and unmistakable Hellen flair. Our mama was happiest in the kitchen where she expressed her love through cooking. She took great pleasure in spoiling family and friends with incredible food made from the heart.

She is survived by her children, Paul Lundy and Jill Margiolas, partner Jimmy Coats. Her grandchildren, Hunter Schofield, Joshua Lundy, Erica Smith, great grandchildren, Levi Lundy and Leighla Rose Watts. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Martha Smith Neely and Richard Austin Neely III, and grandson Nicholas Cameron Margiolas.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Hellen's life on November 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner. The family asks that you remember Hellen in a way she would have loved: plant something beautiful, donate to your local Girl Scouts, or share a bit of the good-natured sarcasm and laughter that she brought so generously to the world.