Rebecca Sue Caldwell

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Rebecca Sue (Becky) Caldwell, 85, of Annapolis, MD, who was called home by our Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 31, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.

She was a native of Fort Mitchell, KY, and graduated in 1954 from Dixie Heights High School. Becky attended the Northern Center of The University of Kentucky.

Early in her career, she taught elementary school at Hebron and Crescent Springs Elementary Schools in Northern Kentucky and continued as a substitute teacher wherever she was “planted,” courtesy of the U.S. Navy. Becky enjoyed interacting with people and subsequently worked for the Smithsonian Institute, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the U. S. Naval Academy (USNA) Gift Shop and was the Treasurer of the family business, Secure Destruction Systems, Inc. from 1986 to 1999.

Becky married her High School sweetheart in 1958 and quickly became the epitome of the “Navy Wife.” Becky was a fierce competitor while growing up and even more so when protecting her family. She was the steady and guiding force that bound our family together through over twelve changes of duty stations, including overseas, and her husband's multiple “six" (to nine) month deployments. While stationed in Virginia Beach, VA, Becky was interviewed by The Beacon. In the article titled “Navy Wife One Up On Scout Motto,” Becky noted that her on-the-move Navy family motto was “Stay loose”. She followed through on that saying by raising four children while her husband was deployed for seven of the first thirteen years of marriage. When asked about moving, Becky could relay story after story of nightmare moves where everything was packed regardless of her instructions, both verbal and physical (rooms being taped shut, notes on cabinets saying "don't move," hidden stashes of clothes for the children). Ultimately, things like greasy skillets would turn up months later in the new home. When the editor asked the innocent question, “Wonder if those movers have to take a course in this?” Becky quickly responded, “Yes, Demolition school.”

Becky and Bob created a haven for their family and never hesitated to extend the family circle. Both truly enjoyed entertaining and were noted for their hospitality (particularly delicious and abundant meals). They greatly enjoyed their regular reunions with the USNA Class of ’58 (’58 is Great!), their shipmates from the Submarine Squadrons, and the Dixie High School Class of ’54. Becky and Bob loved being a part of the USNA Sponsor program and provided a place of comfort and relief to many USNA midshipmen (Karl, Miguel, Trent, Greg, Vince, Sara, Erin, and Marina, to name just a few, their families, and classmates). Their home and hearts were always open, and keeping in contact and watching the midshipmen’s families grow were a constant source of happiness and pride.

Becky was active in many clubs and organizations throughout her life. She was a past President of Submarine Officers Wives’ Club in Norfolk, VA, Vice President of the U.S. Navy Wives Club London, United Kingdom, and First Vice President of the Gerrards Cross American Wives Club, United Kingdom. She was also a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Garden Club and the Gingerville Garden Club.

Becky was a devoted Christian, Job’s Daughter, and a member of Heritage Baptist Church. She adored her children and grandchildren and supported them at school, church, athletic events, and in every area of life. Becky will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

Becky is survived by her children: sons’ Capt. Robert K. Caldwell, Jr. USNR (Ret.) (Jeanne), David Caldwell (Kris), Matt Caldwell (Michele), daughter Susan Caldwell, eleven grandchildren (Erin, Aileen, Kellyn, Luke, Caroline, Amanda, Katheryn, Jonathan (Mason), Robert K. III, Rebecca (Josue), Christina) and three great-grandchildren (Rosalina, Finn, and Elizabeth). She is also survived by her sisters Nancy Stevens and Judy Green (Mike), sister-in-law Lynn Caldwell, brother-in-law George Lonneman as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Becky was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, CDR Robert K. “Bob” Caldwell, USN, parents Charles and Leona Hesselman, sister Charyn Lonneman, and granddaughter, Mary Caldwell.

A Memorial Service and inurnment will be held in June at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the U. S. Naval Academy Foundation www.usna.com, Heritage Baptist Church www.heritageloves.com, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org.

An online guest book is available at www.johntaylorfuneralhome.com