WILMINGTON — Mary Helen Casteen, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023, in her hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. She was born on November 11, 1932, to Charles Rowan and Irene Cox Rowan.
Throughout her life, Mary Helen found great joy in tending to her yard. She was often called upon for her honest opinion and loving guidance by friends and loved ones. She had a special place in her heart for her pets, particularly her cherished companion “JB,” as well as all of her grand dogs.
Mary Helen was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she found solace and community. Her faith was a guiding light that shaped her actions and relationships with others.
While Mary Helen did not have any notable achievements in the traditional sense, her greatest accomplishment was the love and care she poured into her family. She is survived by her children, Gary Casteen and his wife Jennifer of Wilmington, NC, and Lisa Casteen Barentine and her husband Gary of Mt. Ulla, NC. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Abbey Casteen and her fiancé Brian Keehn, and Lindsay Casteen and her boyfriend Caj Baker. Additionally, she will be deeply missed by her most beloved grandniece, Jennifer Roberts Griggs.
Mary Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Irene Rowan, her husband Sherrill Nace Casteen (Buster), her brother Donald Rowan, and her sister Betty Croom. While she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit and love will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her.
A celebration of Mary Helen’s life will take place on Friday, December 29, 2023, at noon at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Pastor Brock Meyer, of Trinity United Methodist Church, will officiate the graveside service. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends and loved ones for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation Chapel, located at 1535 South 41st Street in Wilmington, NC.
Mary Helen Casteen’s memory will forever be etched in our hearts. May her legacy of love, faith, and dedication to family inspire us all to live each day with gratitude and kindness.
The family would like to also extend their deepest heart felt thanks to “The Gods Girls” and to the staff of the Lower Cape Fear Life Center, who supported and cared for Mary Helen and her family.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Lower Cape Fear Hospice in memory of Mrs. Casteen.
