Helen Banner

November 21, 1930 – March 16, 2026

Helen Banner, age 95, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026. Born in Queens, New York, to Solomon Charkin and Rose Russo, Helen lived a life defined by elegance, strength, and an unshakable devotion to the people she loved.

In 1948, she married the love of her life, Sid Banner, and together they built something truly remarkable: a marriage that lasted nearly seven decades, a family that grew across generations, and a home that was always the center of everything. Sid preceded her in passing in 2015, and she is now reunited with him.

Helen enjoyed a distinguished 33-year career as comptroller of Express Financial, a testament to her sharp mind and quiet determination. Outside the office, she lived fully and on her own terms. She loved tennis, shopping, and travel, and she and Sid shared an especially deep love of cruising, embarking on more than 50 voyages together over the years. She drove a Jaguar, dressed in color, and carried herself with a style that was entirely her own. Helen never drank, never made a fuss, and never needed anyone to carry her. She was, as those who knew her would say, a true tough cookie: graceful and strong in equal measure.

Helen is survived by her three children: Barbara Pulieri and her husband Bob; Robert Banner and his wife Laura; and Susan Sherman and her husband Robert.

Her grandchildren include Michael Pulieri and his wife Laura; David Pulieri and his wife Wendy; Anthony Pulieri and his wife Jana; Christopher Banner; Kimberly DeLeon and her husband Felipe; Jonathan Banner; Ashley Mulcahy and her husband Ray; and Tyler Sherman.

She is also survived by Laura’s daughters, Megan Cross and her husband James, and Kelly Nolan and her spouse Rachael.

Her great-grandchildren, Gianna and Nico Pulieri; Cosimo and Carmine Pulieri; Sofia and Marco Pulieri; Makenzie and Cayden Banner; Brianna and Karley DeLeon; Vance Banner; Quinn Mulcahy; and Kinsley and Maverick Cross, will grow up carrying her spirit forward.

Above all, Helen was the heart of her family. She was the best mom you could ever ask for: a great lady, deeply loved, and impossible to forget.