Caldwell, Anna Marie

Anna Marie Caldwell, 95, of Marion, died Oct. 3, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Memorial services will be held 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. Christine Wagner-Hecht officiating.

Anna, the beloved first child of Truman Ross and Anna Fay (Kidder) Young, was born Dec. 30, 1916, on the family farm near Center Junction, Iowa. She graduated from high school in Sterling, Ill., and from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill. She married Robert Lloyd Caldwell on June 10, 1942, in Sterling, Ill. She taught school and later was an early childhood education specialist. She worked in that field in California and Iowa for many years. She was a longtime active member of PEO and of Kappa Delta Sorority.

Anna is survived by one son, Robert T. Caldwell (Helen Kudos) of West Branch; and daughters, Barbara Caldwell, Judith Madden and Susan (Larry) Reeve, all of Cedar Rapids. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Kevin Madden, Eric Madden (Julie), Iris Caldwell and Joseph Caldwell; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anna's husband, parents and two brothers, Ross Eugene and Paul, preceded her in death.

Anna had a sparkling intellect, ready wit and a kind and generous heart. She was eternally optimistic and positive. She loved children. She firmly believed that nurturing with love and kindness could bring out the best in anyone.

Anna was artistic, and embraced all her projects with an enthusiasm that was contagious. She was an avid traveler. She loved the world and all that was in it, and the world benefited from her love.

The family is grateful to the staff at Village Ridge for their care of Anna during the last 5 1/2 years of her life. We also express gratitude to those who so compassionately cared for her at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha.

Instead of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233.

Please leave a message or tribute to the family on the Web page, under Obituaries.

Published Oct. 8, 2012 in The Gazette