Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, she moved to New York during her elementary school years and later graduated from Columbia University.[2] She worked as the social director of the American Woman's Club, which supported women relocating to New York City, and was married to poet John Caldwell.[2][3]
Caldwell worked as an editor for Educational Directions of Westport, where she produced educational film strips for schools.[2] Although she battled cancer for two years, she continued her work until her death.[2] In New Canaan, Connecticut, Caldwell organized tours of homes of architectural interest, including the glass house designed by Philip Johnson.[2]