Barbara Anne Cavallo 88, of Sun Lakes, AZ passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2013 after a long illness in the comfort of her family.

Barbara was born in Mason City, Il on January 31, 1925. She was the daughter of Merle and Bernice Ainsworth.

Barbara grew up in Illinois and moved to Washington DC as a young adult where she met and married the love of her life, Frank Cavallo. When Frank finished college the young couple moved to Massachusetts where they began raising a family. In 1966 they moved their family to Chandler, AZ where Barbara lived until after Frank passed away in 1983.

Barbara retired from Motorola after 17 years of service and moved to Sun Lakes, AZ. In September, 2012 she moved to the Village at Ocotillo in Chandler, AZ.

Barbara was an active member of the service sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, for more than 30 years. Because of her rhyming talents she was asked to write poems for any occasion and did so for her sorority.

Barbara had pet names for her children, grandchildren and her close friends. You knew that if she called you something besides your given name, you had won her heart.

She was an avid bridge player and loved her dominoes group. Barbara was an extraordinary grandmother. Her 8 grandchildren have memories of songs that she taught them and blankets that she crocheted for them. She was very proud of her grandchildren and played an important role in each one of their lives. So much so that one grandchild asked Barbara to accompany her on a trip to Europe. Her very young great-grandchildren will also remember their "Gia" because her love for them was so great.

Barbara was well known for her sense of humor and sharp wit which made us laugh until the end.

Barbara is preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank N. Cavallo, her brother Robert Ainsworth and her sister Marjorie Eggleston.

She is survived by her brother Donald Ainsworth (Marilyn), daughter Dana Coughlin (Bill), son Ted Cavallo (Sandra), daughter Julie Fuertsch (Christopher), daughter Michelle Langenfeld, grandchildren Courtney Cross (Jonathan), Mallory Freeborn (Brad), Kyle Coughlin, Katie Cavallo, Ryan Fuertsch, Christopher Fuertsch, Ethan Langenfeld, Brock Langenfeld and great-grandchildren Kalli Freeborn and Wyatt Cross.

Memorials can be made to Autism Speaks - autismspeaks.org.

A memorial service will be held for Barbara Cavallo on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Queen of Heaven Mortuary, 1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204.