Helen L (Caldwell) VanCulin

Helen Louise Caldwell VanCulin passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 surrounded by family and loved ones. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles Caldwell (d. 1971), her second husband, Donald VanCulin (d. 2014), and a great-grandchild, Isabella Channel. Left to cherish her life and memories are her sister, Mary Marsh Brown and three children, Jerry Caldwell (m. Debby Caldwell), Susan Smith (m. Terry Smith), and Carol Globig (m. Roger Globig); seven grandchildren, Tom Caldwell (m. Kelly Caldwell), Carol Sue Bahr (m. Mike Bahr), Heather Sakmar, Jeffrey Caldwell (m. Carmen Caldwell), Heidi Channel (m. Jeremiah Channel), Raina Polivka (m. Chris Lynch), and Meredith Smith (m. Michael Dias); and eleven great-grandchildren. Born in October 1930 in Auburn, Indiana Helen Louise was the second daughter of Ervin and Norma Norris, and younger sister of Mary, with whom she would roller skate around the neighborhood, jump rope, and get into scrapes of all kinds. Helen’s family moved often during the Depression, briefly living in Indiana and then Colorado, before settling permanently in Columbus, Ohio. It was at their home in Clintonville that she befriended her neighbor and the man who would become the love of her life, Charles Caldwell. After his return from the war, Helen reminisced fondly of their brief courtship, talking over the old Chevy he was repairing in the garage, traipsing down High Street after a dance and a drink at the old Highball, listening to the radio together in the evenings on the front porch. In those simpler times, they married and raised three children, Jerry, Susan, and Carol. Helen was active in her children’s lives as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Campfire Girls Leader. She was a favorite among the neighborhood kids for never turning anyone away and always willing to set another seat at the dinner table. She often said being a mom was the best job she ever had. Helen also worked at The Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre but found her true calling among animals and in nature. Wearing her self-prescribed “nature girl” badge proudly, Helen could be found waddling like a penguin to teach and entertain tour groups visiting the Columbus Zoo or hugging a tree at Highbanks Metro Park, where she volunteered for many years. She gave of her time generously to her church, and volunteered annually at the PBS phone drive. Helen dedicated her life to making the world a better place and touched innumerable lives in the process. An inspired traveler, Helen journeyed around the world in her lifetime: from Australia to Alaska, Rome to the Caribbean, she sought out real connections to the human and natural world around her. While her travels brought her in contact with koala bears, polar bears, seas, and mountains, many of her best times were spent in her own backyard and at Burr Oak State Park, with family and friends. Collecting buckeyes in the crunch of the fall leaves, dipping a canoe paddle quietly into the lake waters, skipping stones at the water’s edge, swinging up into the sky so blue, or simply sitting around a campfire with a warm cup of coffee and good conversation—these are what precious moments are made of. Helen was devoted to her family. And in turn, she was treasured by all. As Grams, she was always a willing playmate, eager to participate in family talent shows, plays, and sing-alongs. She could be relied upon to bring laughter and poetry to any event and could win any headstand contest, hands down! She strongly believed in the power of prayer and meditation and equally in the magic of music, storytelling, and dandelions to wish upon. Helen will be remembered profoundly and deeply. Some believe that angels walk this earth and if there’s any truth in that, then our Helen Louise, mom, Grams, Honey, Hell on Wheels, Nature Girl walked among them. Special thanks to the staff at The Lantern in Madison, Ohio and to the wonderful Hospice team.

Helen L (Caldwell) VanCulin

October 15, 1930 - November 10, 2018