Barbara Ann (Smith) Caldwell “She was the wind beneath our wings” Barbara Ann (Smith) Caldwell, 65, of Erie, died Sunday, January 20, 2008 at home after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Erie on July 21, 1942, a daughter of Frank J. Smith and the late Alene (Suesser) Smith. Step daughter of Donna Smith.

She was a graduate of Academy High School, Class of 1960. She worked for the Erie School District and the Erie Housing Authority. She enjoyed bowling, camping, golfing and crafts. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren and trips to Florida and North Carolina.

Besides her mother, Alene Smith, she was preceded in death by her sister, Janet Vommaro. Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Richard D. Caldwell; a son, Richard A. Caldwell, and his wife, Rachel, of York, Pa.; a daughter, Colleen Helsley, and her husband, Doug, of Erie; three grandchildren, Jonah Caldwell and Zackary and Nathan Helsley. Special friends, Helene Chilcott and Dot Schuschy and many cherished family and friends.

Published in the Erie Times-News from 1/21/2008 - 1/23/2008.