With full hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Helaine Natalie Moreno—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend—on June 11, 2025. After a long and courageous journey, she left this world with Ernie lovingly holding her hands until the very end.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 31, 1938, Helaine was raised with strong family values and a quiet sense of purpose. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary, Notre Dame Preparatory School, and the College of Notre Dame. The childhood summers that were spent on the South River in Edgewater, Maryland were among her happiest memories fishing and crabbing with her father Charles. Her life evolved with grace, independence, and a deeply personal sense of connection, loyalty and warmth to those she held dear. 

Helaine met the love of her life, Ernie, in a moment of serendipity at Carvel Hall in Annapolis in 1957. She was there to pick up her sister Jane from a dance when as a young plebe, Ernie spotted her and boldly asked if she'd like to go for a walk. That walk led back to her front porch—and ultimately to a marriage that lasted 64 beautiful years.

Together, they built a life that spanned cities and seasons— Helaine met each chapter with grace, from five sun-soaked years in Hawaii to two in Norfolk, Virginia standing faithfully beside Ernie through his years of naval submarine service during multiple deployments to southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict. As their family grew, they eventually planted roots in Rockville and later in Potomac, Maryland, where their days were blessed by lasting friendships and a strong sense of community.

They built their home in Savannah in 1999, and she embraced a well-earned retirement in 2000 where life settled into a gentler time shared with those she loved. Her days were filled with friends, golf, quiet gatherings, time spent with book and bridge clubs and dinners at the club with friends. Ever observant, Helaine found beauty in the details, capturing it through delicate paintings and photography, always seeing the world through an artist’s eye with a deep appreciation for the beauty around her. While not every passage was easy, Helaine remained steadfast and resilient, and together she and Ernie faced each challenge with grace and unwavering devotion to one another.

Winters in St. John became a beloved tradition and a treasured escape—an annual retreat marked by warm breezes, quiet beauty, and the simple joy of time shared with her beloved Ernie. Whether simply enjoying peaceful days or visits from family and friends, she cherished the calm beauty of the island.

Helaine lived with both grace and gumption. She taught first grade at the Cathedral School in Baltimore and served at Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii during the Vietnam Conflict as a compassionate volunteer writing and reading letters to disabled Vietnam soldiers and wounded warriors. Her later career included executive roles within family-run businesses, where she applied her attention to detail and steady hand to the books.  She preferred working behind the scenes, immersed in the numbers and details she knew so well. In the 1970s, she proudly supported President Ford’s campaign.

Helaine was a gourmet cook, an avid reader, a gifted artist, and a keen photographer. She found joy in ballet, music, and the beauty woven into everyday life—especially when shared over a good meal, a favorite song, or quiet time with those she loved most. Though she often quipped about her many admirers at the Academy, it was always Ernie who held her heart. Together, they built a life filled with love, tradition, and the deep joys of raising a family.

Helaine is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Ernie Moreno; her children, Laura Moreno Warshauer (William), Eric Charles Moreno, and Lisa Moreno Dickinson; and her cherished grandchildren—Brendan Charles Warshauer and Andrew William Warshauer (children of Laura), and Aidan Curtis Moreno and Brody Moreno Dickinson (children of Lisa). She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Jackson Charles Warshauer and Georgia Caroline Warshauer (children of Brendan), and her sweet great granddaughter (daughter of Andrew). She is survived as well by her sister, Jane Kagel, and many loving nieces and nephews—a legacy of love that continues in the hearts of all.

Her beauty, grace, and quiet strength will be remembered always.

A celebration of Helaine’s life will be held at their home in Savannah, Georgia on Saturday 12 July 2025 from 3 pm - 6 pm and at the United States Naval Academy at a date to be later announced.

In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you consider a donation in memory of Helaine Natalie Moreno to the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to our hearts.

Donations may be made online at:

• alz.org,
• by phone at 800-272-3900,
• or by mail to:

Alzheimer’s Association
P.O. Box 96011
Washington, DC 20090‑6011