In Loving Memory of Della Faye Walter Caldwell
Della Faye Walter Caldwell, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister and friend, who touched the lives of many with her unwavering love and generous spirit, peacefully passed away on October 26, 2023. Born on October 4, 1946, in Rockville Center, Long Island, NY. Della was the eldest daughter of Catherine and Raymond Walter, and she shared her childhood with her sister, Wynn Legault, and her brothers, Mark Walter and the late Bob Walter (Lucy) and her cousin Jane Davis.
Della's life was a testament to her steadfast love for her family and her ability to make every person feel valued and included. She was a loving wife to her late husband, Bill Caldwell, and together they regularly opened their home to friends, family, and even strangers for Thanksgiving feasts and 4th of July parties. Della was a devoted mother to her two sons, Louis Raymond Rossi, who preceded her in death in 2016, and was married to Kim; and Thomas Lee Rossi, who is married to Kit. When Della and Bill married, she had the privilege of adding to her family Steven and Robin Caldwell, Cheryl Caldwell, Jamie Doran and most recently Darren Pearson. Della was an adoring grandma to her cherished grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. Her grandchildren include Kamala Rossi,Tom Henry Rossi, Kaitlyn Rossi, Ryn Rossi, Louis E. Rossi, Grace Rossi, Charley Rossi, Annalee Caldwell Fix (George)l, and Ben Caldwell. Della is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.
Della had a lifelong commitment to education. She graduated from the New York State College at Oneonta and went on to earn her master's degree in teaching. Her passion for mathematics led her to a fulfilling career as a math teacher, which she pursued diligently from the moment she graduated until her retirement. Della was loved by students and faculty as an advanced math teacher at Nease High School in St. Johns County, FL for over 20 years and enjoyed helping with the IB program there. She was the teacher of the year in St. Johns County and later went on to help start the IB program at newly opened Ponte Vedra High School while winning the hearts of many young mathematicians there as well. Even in retirement, she continued to share her knowledge and love for math by tutoring her beloved grandchildren.
After retirement, Della and Bill pursued their love for exploration and adventure, which they satisfied through their many travels and world cruises. Della loved being a part of her church and served in many areas. She found immense joy in being an integral part of Bible study, where her devotion and service were a testament to the depth of her faith. If you knew Della, you knew how much she loved sweets, especially ice cream, and you probably experienced the great joy she got while sharing her favorite treats with everyone.
A celebration of Della's life will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 10:00 am at Mill Cove Church, 8510 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32277.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider donating to her loving church family at Mill Cove Church in her honor.
https://www.millcovechurch.org/giving/
Della's spirit will continue to inspire us, and her love will live on in the hearts of all those she touched. May she rest in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by the love that she so freely gave to others.
Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1203 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32207