Shirley Jean Finkbeiner Caldwell

Shirley Jean Caldwell, 86, of Fort Wayne, entered into paradise to be with Jesus Christ on July 29, 2011. She expectantly awaits a new bodily life within God's new world. She passed away comfortable at Hospice Home, a little over a year after her beloved husband Glen passed at Hospice Home. She was most recently a resident of Sycamore Village. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Samuel Justice Finkbeiner and Hazel Ramp Finkbeiner. She was the oldest of three daughters. Her family moved to Ontario, Canada, where she grew up. Her father died of tuberculosis when she was nine. She returned to Fort Wayne on June 6, 1944, D-Day. While serving as a U.S.O. girl she met Glen Caldwell, whom she married after he returned from his overseas military service, She worked for many years an executive secretary for General Electric. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she was happiest when involved in family activities, especially attending her grandsons' events. She was an avid organic gardener, successful investor, often outperforming professional brokers. She loved dancing with her husband and watching the Chicago Cubs with her family. She volunteered for many years at Lutheran Hospital. Her entire life was spent following Jesus, especially through the liturgy and customs of the Episcopal Church, which she deeply loved. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. She is survived by a son, Ronald Glen Caldwell (and Janie whom Shirley loved as a daughter), three grandsons, Dan (Kate) Caldwell, John Caldwell and Joe Caldwell (Fiancé Molly Kelly); and two great-grandsons, Owen Glen Caldwell and Marshall Izan Caldwell, and two sisters, Maxine Booth and Colleen Fuller. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Glen.

"What's lost is nothing to what's found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup" -

Frederick Buechner

Funeral Service 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Grace Episcopal Church, 10010 Aurora Place with calling one hour before service. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 21ll, at Klaehn, Fahl and Melton, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Grace Episcopal Church or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com