Helen Cassimus Maldonado

Helen Cassimus Maldonado, 76, of Gardendale, Alabama, passed away on June 12, 2025 in her home. Born on September 14, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama, Helen grew up in Norwood, a Greek community. As a child, she loved to dance and took tap and ballet for 13 years. She later made Gardendale her forever home after marrying the love of her life, Bobby Maldonado, with whom she shared 36 years before he passed. Helen was a proud graduate of Phillips High School and spent a few years studying at Jacksonville State University before marrying Bobby after he returned wounded from Vietnam in 1968. After working in banking for many years, she eventually started working for the Jefferson County Board of Education as a substitute teacher and then worked in central office for many years where everyone affectionately called her “Maldo”. She retired from the Board in 2011. Over the years, she touched the lives of countless children in the Gardendale community with her warmth, humor, and generous spirit. Known for her spunky personality and big heart, she had a contagious smile that could light up any room and a laugh that made you feel right at home. She was the life of the party, a true ray of sunshine, and never met a stranger. Whether she was sitting outside soaking up the sun, cheering on her grandchildren at ballgames and school events, or enjoying a cigarette and a Mountain Dew while watching her favorite shows on the Game Show Network with her loyal furry companion Blue right by her side, Helen lived every moment to the fullest. Above all, her greatest joy came from being “Grandma.” She adored her family—especially her grandchildren—and loved spending time with them more than anything. Helen is survived by her loving daughter Marla (Frank) Pennington, and son Frankie (Valerie) Maldonado; grandchildren Luke Pennington, Savannah (Eli) Ellison, Zac Maldonado, Coleman Maldonado, and Nic Maldonado; sister Stella (Mark) Hichens; brothers Marcus (Zoe) Cassimus and Ernie Cassimus; sister-in-law Cathy Cassimus; and her beloved dog, Blue. She also leaves behind many close cousins, relatives, dear friends, and neighbors whose lives she brightened. She was preceded in death by her husband Bobby Maldonado, parents Spiro and Estelle Cassimus, sister Catherine Sarris, and brother George Cassimus. Helen’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Home in Gardendale. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Olive Cemetery. To know Helen was to love her—she was truly one of a kind. A friend to all, a caretaker at heart, and a beautiful soul who will be missed beyond measure.

Tributes

Helen Cassimus Maldonado

September 14, 1948 - June 12, 2025