Emily Marie Helling

She was born on March 16, 1941, in the Bronx, NY, and was the daughter of the late Emil and Anna Jacobsen. In addition to her father and mother, Emily was preceded in death by her sister Ann Kennard. She is survived by her loving husband Ronald; nephews Douglas Schultze (Sheryl) of North Salem, NY; Richard (Michelle) of West Chester, OH; Timothy (Mary Ellen) of Harrisburg, PA; Thomas (Laura) of Camp Hill, PA; William (Jennifer) of Hornell, NY; and Joshua Kennard of Concord NH, in addition to several grand nieces and nephews. Emily and Ron celebrated their 50th anniversary this past June.

She was raised in Hartsdale, NY, and graduated from White Plains High School in 1958. She received her Bachelors degree in Education at State University College at Oneonta and her Masters degree at Teachers College, Columbia University. She began her career teaching 3rd grade at George Washington School, Cortland Manor, NY, and retired after 33 years teaching at the same grade level in the same classroom. During her teaching career, Emily received many awards and accolades, including Teacher of the Year, for her innovative and creative approach to teaching.

When Emily and Ron retired in 1996, they settled down in Fairfield Harbour. She brought with her: enthusiasm for life, socializing and hospitality, helping others, community involvement, and the list goes on.

She almost immediately began to take an active interest in, and leadership roles in many of the activities available within the Harbour, including Fairfield Harbour Yacht Club, Ladies Golf Association, the community newspaper “The Beacon,” singing to the homebound at Christmas, and hosting Marines at Thanksgiving. In 2009 her community involvement was recognized by her being named Grand Marshal of the Fairfield Harbour Christmas Parade.

It was not long before she spread her talents throughout the greater New Bern community, joining the New Bern Yacht Club, New Bern Women’s Club, and Craven Concerts Board of Directors, once again bringing her commitment to leadership and involvement.

While serving as president of Craven Concerts for seven years, the educational programs of Outreach and Opera Express were brought to area elementary school children to broaden their experience with music. Emily was one of the earliest recipients of the Sun Journal’s 52 Faces award as a result of her extensive volunteer work.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Emily on January 21, 2020 from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Carolina Colours Pavillion at Carolina Colours 3300 Waterscape Way, New Bern, NC 28562

Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice or Craven Concerts, P.O. Box 12213, New Bern, NC, in the name of Emily. All memorials will be earmarked specifically for the Outreach and Opera Express programs.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.