Barbara Grant Caldwell

Barbara (Googins) Grant Caldwell, 99, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026, at Forsyth Medical Center. Born in Biddeford, Maine, Barbara lived a long and fulfilling life, guided by her faith, devoted to her family, and enriched by a lifelong commitment to learning, music, and service to others.

Barbara graduated from Thornton Academy in Saco, Maine, and went on to establish a successful career in real estate in the greater Portland area. She earned her GRI and CRS designations and became a certified appraiser, completing appraisal courses at Bowdoin College and the University of Maine. In 1976, she married Allen R. Caldwell, and in 1977, they moved to the Brunswick and Harpswell area. Barbara continued her real estate career with Mark Stimson Associates and CHR Realty until her retirement in 2001.

A lifelong learner, Barbara pursued her interests in liberal arts and music through college courses whenever the opportunity arose. For many years, she attended summer sessions at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where she studied church organ music. Her love of music and faith found a special expression in her service as a church organist for more than 20 years.

Following the death of her husband, Allen, Barbara moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to be closer to family. She made her home there for the next 25 years, remaining close to those she loved. During retirement, she devoted herself to quilting, a hobby that brought her great enjoyment and produced beautiful heirloom quilts. Many of these treasured creations remain in the family as lasting reminders of her care, creativity, and love.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Allen; her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” McPhee; and her brother, Francis “Sonny” Googins.

She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Gates (Tom) and Jan DiBlasio (Dick); her granddaughters, Katie Clendenen (Jon) and Laura DiBlasio (Jason Anthony); and her great-granddaughters, Sydney and Millie Clendenen. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Carol, Mark, Donna, David, Kathy, and Laurie, along with extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the staff in the Skilled Nursing area at Homestead Hills for the kindness, comfort, and compassionate care they provided Barbara throughout the past year.

Barbara will be remembered for her devotion to family, her faith, her love of music and learning, and the many ways she enriched the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on through her family, the music she shared, and the beautiful quilts she lovingly created.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on December 13, 2026, at Augsburg Lutheran Church, 845 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Augsburg Lutheran Church.