Barbara Elsie Caldwell

Barb was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, Feb. 22, 1925, the daughter of Henry A. and Alice E. (Dodge) Florey. She met and fell in love with an American Soldier, William E. Caldwell, during W.W. II and they married Mar. 18, 1944 in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. He preceded her in death Jan. 6, 1995 in Springfield, IL. Her parents, sister Marjorie, and brother Ted also preceded her in death.

While her husband continued his service in W.W. II, Barb served as a volunteer with both the Australian and American Red Cross. After the war, she traveled to the United States on a war bride ship and settled in Springfield. She worked for the Charles C Thomas Publishing Co., Roland Department Stores and then operated a licensed day care in her home. She was a member of the North Cotton Hill United Methodist Church, formerly Woodside United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and the Anchor Boat Club. She was well known for tending to the flower gardens at Woodside United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school there as well. Barb was an avid Chicago Cub Fan.

She will be dearly missed by her three sons; James N. Caldwell of Springfield, William H. (Michelle) Caldwell of Charlottesville, VA, and Robert E. (Margie) Caldwell of Pawnee, IL, her two daughters; June A. (Jim) Steinwart and Jill B. (Tim) Garrett both of Springfield, eight grandchildren who she adored; Aubrey, Douglas, Eric, Andrea, Michael, Nikki, T.J., and Johnny, her brother James (Norma) Florey of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, and her two nieces, Wendy and Maria

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Private family services will be held. She will be buried with her husband at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the North Cotton Hill United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all of the caregivers and staff of River Birch Senior Living in Springfield and the Mason City Area Nursing Home for their love, compassion, and care for Barb.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Bisch and Son Funeral Home is serving the family.