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. Her baby sister, Myrtis, nicknamed her “Dill”, and since then, she was affectionately known as “Dill” to her entire family. 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.

Frank and Mary returned to Hammond in 2005 and built a new home where they resided for thirteen years. After Frank’s passing in 2018, Mary moved to Texas to live with her daughter and family.

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. We will always remember the endless pots of spaghetti she made. Friends and family were always welcomed at the dinner table.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband Frank of 62 years; brothers Billy Graham; Harvey, James, Walter, Stanley, Douglas, Donald, Michael; and sisters, Betty Rae, Lena Corinne (Rucka), Myrtis Dean; infant granddaughter Carson Elizabeth Saddler; and daughter-in-law, Michelle Cali.

Survived by children David Cali and Pamela Cali Saddler; grandchildren Melissa Cali Meisgeier (Nate), Rebecca Cali, Brennan Saddler Brown (Eric), and Justin Saddler; great-grandchildren Kathryn, Madelyn and Jocelyn Meisgeier; sisters-in-law, Louise Cole, Rachel Hilbun, Yvonne Hilbun, and Robin Hilbun; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, La followed by a service at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Military Family Assistance Fund.

Interment will take place at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, (225) 753-1440.