Joan Bernadine Caldwell

1932 - 2018

Joan Bernadine (Mitchell) Caldwell
Resident of Fremont, CA
On Sunday, September 2, 2018, Joan Caldwell, loving mother of seven children, passed away at age 86.
Joan was born on July 15, 1932 in Nampa, ID to George Ralph and Marie Bernadine (Wissel) Mitchell. She was active in dance and theater from a very young age. She choreographed, performed, directed and designed costumes for many years; she taught dance every year for over fifty years.
Joan had a lifelong love of learning and took courses at seven different colleges, starting at Marylhurst University. It was there that Keith Caldwell first saw her in one of her many dramatic performances and they were eventually married in Nampa, on August 22, 1953. She loved her large garden and her over 300-potted plants. Her gourmet cooking was a joy to the numerous visitors.
She was an avid reader who also enjoyed theatre, opera and travel (domestic and international). She helped found a food coop and sought women's rights within the Catholic Church. The diversity and success of her children stand as a testimony to her strength, dignity and love. She was a wonderful mother to all of her children, a beloved grandmother of nineteen, a blessed great grandmother of six and a mentor of so many.
There are just not enough words to describe her grace and beauty; her life well lived. So many friends and relatives will miss Joan as we wait to see her again.
The funeral will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Fremont on Sept. 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Instead of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation.


View the online memorial for Joan Bernadine (Mitchell) Caldwell