Is there a reason you never discussed this with your boss? If she is using the bosses email address, that's huge. First off, it sounds like you do know and believe that the problem was with her, if you reached out and were civil to her, showed her how to do things, etc. I have a problem of someone taking credit for my work, too--and it's my boss. It's frustrating, but... My opinion is to stand up for yourself. If she calls your house again, you are under no obligation to help her. Answer the phone and discuss all these issues with her, you can blatantly tell her you were very offended by her treatment of you and you don't feel any obligation to help any more. Unless you have other references, you may need to stay on the good side of the company. However, with that being said I will say that, at least where I am, when companies are called for references the most they can say is yes you worked there. Anything else opens them up for lawsuits, as silly as it seems. (If you say they are good and they turn out to be horrible, the new company can sue you. If you say they are bad and they don't get the job, they can sue you.) A safe thing to do would be to call your old boss and ask for a typed reference letter right now, before you need it. Sorry I rambled!! Best of luck to you.