Mary Nell Cali
Mary Nell Cali, long-time resident of Baton Rouge and Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024 in Clear Lake City, Texas at the age of 87. She was born on November 29, 1936 in Canton, Mississippi to Stephen and Luvenia Walley Hilbun.
Mary was the 6th child born of 12 children, and helped raise her 6 younger siblings, whom she loved dearly. . She graduated from Hammond High School in 1956 and married Frank Cali one week later. They moved to Baton Rouge and started a family, and resided there for 50 years. She is retired from the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Administration Office.
More than anything, Mary enjoyed spending time with her large family. Her family meant the world to her. Mary loved family gatherings and she especially loved to prepare a big spread of delicious wholesome Southern cooking, including lots of fresh tomatoes and vegetables from Frank’s garden. Friends and family were always welcomed at the dinner table.
Frank and Mary returned to Hammond and built a new home where they resided there for thirteen years. After Frank’s passing in 2018, Mary moved to Texas to live with her daughter and family.
Preceded in death by her parents; brothers Billy Graham; Harvey, James, Walter, Stanley, Douglas, Donald, Michael; and sisters Betty Rae, Corinne (Rucka), Myrtis; infant granddaughter Carson Elizabeth Saddler, husband Frank , daughter in law Michelle Cali.
Survived by children David Cali and Pamela Cali Saddler; Grandchildren Melissa (Nate) Meisgier, Rebecca Cali, Brennan (Eric) Brown, and Justin Saddler; and Great Grandchildren Kathryn, Madelyn and Jocelyn Meisgier
Visitation will be held at 9:00am on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, La followed by a service at 10:00am.
Interment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, (225) 753-1440.
What a beautiful lady. Pam, so sorry your mother has passed. You were certainly a loving caregiver for your mom! Our condolences and love go to you and family.🙏
Love and God Bless,
Jack and Frances
My heart and prayers go out to the family. Mrs Mary was like a 2nd mom to me. She loved children and treated them all as her own. What a beautiful lady inside and out. We will miss you! Love always!
Aunt Mary Nell as remembered was the most loveliest lady anyone could have met. Always went out of her way to make you feel special. It was always a pleasure to be in the company of Uncle Frank and Aunt Mary Nell. May the lord bless her with everlasting peace with uncle Frank. Mike Barberito.
Aunt Mary Nell was always a pleasure to be around growing up from infant and adult.Going to miss you Aunt Dill.