Taurus has an 8 shot revolver in 22mag that operates pretty easy, also one of the easiest sliding auto loader I own is a SIG in the x5 series 9mm. The x5 series is all metal so recall is lighter when compared to other 9mm's and for some reason it has a very easy to move slide stroke, is DA/SA with a decocker. I think maybe the long stroke is what makes it so smoothe to function.
Maybe move her up from the Chiefs Special to a K frame .38. Trigger pull should be easier and recoil softer. I was going to mention the tip up barrel Beretta also.
I've seen some good reviews of these and thinking about one for my wife. She carries my LCP, but it is very small and for her impossible to rack. The Walther is about as big as a Glock 26 and if the review is accurate it is very easy to rack and has very little recoil.
They have these at the gun shows for about $330.
J.