Barbara Larson Caldwell

Barbara Larson Caldwell, 77, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025 at Lewis Gale Montgomery Hospital in Blacksburg, VA with family holding her hands. Barbara was born on October 5, 1948 in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late Arvid E. and Phyllis G. Larson.

Barbara grew up in Goshen, Connecticut and was as a graduate of Wamogo Regional High School. She received a bachelors degree In education from the University of Connecticut and a masters degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. She loved her 36-year career as an elementary school physical education teacher, delighting in the development of her students, until her retirement from Coventry Public Schools in 2012.

As a retiree, Barbara split her time between Coventry and Kissimmee, Florida. She loved spending time with family & friends, annual vacations to York Beach Maine, enjoying Coventry lake life with her friends and neighbors especially Bruce & Lois Johnson, and watching UCONN basketball, both men’s and women’s, and her favorite game show, The Price is Right. She was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Coventry where she was active in serving the ministries of the church.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, David Ross Caldwell, her parents, her brother John “Jack” Larson, her brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Cynthia Larson, her sister-in-law Nancy Trembley, niece Deborah DeMarco, and cousin Frederick Griswold.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Jane Caldwell and her wife Cloe of Christiansburg VA, and her son Ethan Ross Caldwell and his wife Christina of Clermont FL. Barbara cherished her five grandchildren: Emily Rose Caldwell, 17, Taylor David Caldwell, 15, Madelynn Rae Caldwell, 13, and Larson Jack Ross Caldwell, 14, Piper Jane Caroline Caldwell, 12. Barbara is also survived by her cousin Carole (Larry) Alberti of Southington, CT, sister-in-law Stephanie (Richard) DeMarco of Yardville, NJ, brother-in-law Len Caldwell IV (Marjorie Snelling) of Philadelphia PA, and sister-in-law Kathy Larson of Surprise AZ, along with nieces and nephews in Connecticut, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Coventry Connecticut on May 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.