Remembering Carol

Carol Janet Steimer Bailey

Steimer Bailey, Carol Janet (1943-2006) age 63, passed away on October 14, 2006 after a long battle with breast cancer. She grew up in Jackson, MN and was raised by her loving parents, Lola and Lloyd Widdifield. She attended Macalester College, received her nursing degree, and worked at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Although she found great pleasure in working in orthopedics, she was eventually drawn to Hennepin Technical College where she taught photography and media production for over 34 years.

Education was important to Carol. She was a teacher, as well as a life long learner and in 2001 she received a Master's degree from St. Mary's University in educational technology. She spent her remaining career teaching professional development skills to other teachers throughout Minnesota. In addition to her full time profession, Carol was passionate about auto racing. She was the official track photographer at Brainerd International Raceway for 28 years and ran her own photography business, CJS Racing Photos.

Carol is survived by her husband, Rand E. Bailey, her companion and love for the last 25 years; and her devoted daughter and friend, Shanda L. Steimer. She will long be remembered by her family and friends for her humor, compassion, kindness and enthusiasm to discover and understand new people, places and things.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the individual members of the 2nd Floor Post Surgical Nursing Unit, and the Pain Management Team at St. John's Hospital for the compassionate and attentive care she received during the final week of her life. The family is honoring Carol's request to be cremated and have no funeral service. However, there will be a memorial service on May 19th, 2007 to celebrate the amazing, beautiful and wonderful person that she was to all those who knew and loved her. The memorial will take place at her home in Spring Valley, WI. Information and details about the service will be posted on this website, or you can contact the family at (715) 688-2482. Memorials can be made to the Carol Steimer Bailey Scholarship Fund, Hennepin Technical College Foundation, 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 or at HTC Foundation. Published in the Star Tribune and in the Pioneer Press on 10/29/2006.

Leader

Carol, along with Carla, was a "CTL Campus Leader" for Hennepin Technical College for several years before she came to work at the CTL office. For many years, then, she was part of the statewide community of faculty who serve their colleagues by planning, organizing, and delivering professional development activities.

Twice a year, in fall and spring, the Leaders come together to share ideas, plans, and results at a statewide workshop.

The picture of Carol with a cake that Carla posted here is from the April 2006 workshop. At the fall workshop that just closed in Brainerd (October 24-25), Carol's presence was greatly missed. After dinner on Tuesday, we had an awards ceremony, and then just sat together for a while remembering, and regretting our loss.

Here's a slide show I shared, full of quotes from a speech that Carol gave at the Leaders workshop in April.

Here's the full speech, too: , "A Life Time of Teaching."

Just for fun

Even though Carol had asthma, and some allergies, she always had a cat and a soft spot for animals in general. This particular cat really bonded to her when she was ill and became attached to her. He gets along fine with Randy, but doesn't tolerate other people who invade his space. Even though Shanda sometimes visited for months at a time, they never really got along. For this photo, Carol held the cat and Shanda surprised him at the last minute with a hug to both.

The cat feels a loss now too, as do the rest of us.

Celebrations

Education was important to Carol. She was a teacher, as well as a life long learner. She received her Master's degree from St. Mary's University. Diane Benson, Susan Thaemert, hubby Rand, and Carla Weigel celebrated with her.

Not only did she teach students, but she was a mentor to others in many ways. She was the first union president and faculty senate president at Eden Prairie Campus after the merger. She facilitated numerous SEED seminars (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) on both campuses. Because she was employed by the college before there actually was a building and because she was so involved in many of the committees, she knew the history of HTC better than anyone. If we remember what she said and lived, we will continue to learn from her for years to come.

In the fall of 1992 we were talking, and she asked me what we doing for Thanksgiving. I was still in the thinking stage. She invited us over, and we've been spending the holiday together ever since. This was taken the year she broke her shoulder. Shown are Tim Weigel, Carol and Rand, and Carla and Bob Weigel.

More CTL Pictures

This was taken with Carla shortly before her first chemo treatment. We were at a CTL conference just about to attend another session outside of Central Lakes College. Her hair was long at the time, and she wanted a photo of us with her hair still long. Although you can't really see the hair in the picture on the left, you can still see her strong spirit. The picture below actually shows her long hair. In spite of what some in Minnesota may think, there are many of us who actually do want to learn on a Saturday. Carol loved getting out and participating in these type of workshops because she enjoyed meeting and networking with people all over the state.

In the spring of 2006 at the CTL Leaders' conference in St Paul, we celebrated Carol's retirement. As I remember, she had a little cake, and a lot of frosting.

Another View

When Carol first came to CTL, we took several pictures of her for our staff Web site. Here's one that gives a glimpse of that long, dark hair that was her signature for so many years.

A Couple Favorite Pictures

Carol didn't like either of these all that much, I'll acknowledge that right now. I suspect she was looking at them with a photographer's eye for composition, lighting, etc. But they both capture her radiant beauty and generous smile so well that I want to share them.

A Few Immediate Responses

Just some of the reaction to Carol's passing, as I received emails from folks around the state who worked with her in some capacity.

____________________________________

I send my deepest sympathy to Carol's family and to the CTL family. She was a smiling, dynamic force in the CTL with a wide range of talents. She will be missed greatly and will be remembered fondly.
- Sue Olson , Rainy River Community College

I'm sorry to hear about Carol; she was a great person. It is very difficult for me to think that she is no longer with us, you made me cry, we were about the same age and it makes me think of my mortality.
-Josephine Books, Inver Hills Community College

Thank you for sharing this with me. She will be missed.
-Tim Skaja, Anoka Technical College

I was shocked to see this e-mail. Thank you for sending it out. I did not know Carol very well but she always had such a great attitude that there was no way she wouldn't beat it. I am sorry for our loss and am sure that those of you who were closer to her will miss her tremendously.
- Kathy Froysland, Office of the Chancellor

My deepest condolences to everyone at CTL. I only met Carol a few times in the past year, and she certainly was a very wonderful teacher & leader. I knew that she was having health issues, but I did not realize how serious they were.
- Betsy Picciano, Central Lakes College

It is a loss indeed and all we can do is try to live up to the example that Carol held out to all of us in so many of the wonderful ways she lived her life and enriched us all.
- Diane Pearson, Minneapolis Community & Technical College

I am very sad. She was a supportive and lovely person, friend.
- Stewart Ross, Minnesota State University, Mankato

I’m so sorry to hear about Carol. I didn't know her well, but she was
very nice. As a friend and colleague, you will miss her much. My condolences.
- Patricia Grace, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

You worked so closely with Carol and knew her spirit throughout the years of her valiant life, the loss is like that of someone much closer than a friend for many of you.
- Lynne Groves, South Central College

I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. Although I never worked closely with her, she demonstrated such positive energy at the conferences and workshops. It sure seems as though cancer is everywhere....so many wonderful people suffer. Yet their suffering is a reminder to me/us to live every day to your best....enjoy the rain, the cold wind on your cheeks, the beautiful blues and pinks in the skies.....I just wish it didn't take such tragedy to remind us.
- Michele Keane. Lake Superior College

Thank you for letting me know about Carol. Indeed! She was an exceptional individual. Always helpful and supportive. I try to use my memories of her to be more like her.
- Mick Erickson, Minnesota State Community & Technical College

Thank you for keeping me informed. I always liked and admired Carol and was impressed by her attitude.
- Kathy Olson, Northland College

I was so sorry to hear about Carol's passing, very sad. I met her at the search committee meeting when she was hired by CTL and was always impressed with her earthy spunk and can do attitude. There is someone who will indeed be sorely missed. I hope there will be some sort of memorial for her. One little suggestion would be an exhibit of some of her racing prints at RSP. Maybe you could get a grant from the motorsports ass'n to print a booklet of some of her prints.
- Jim Kaplan, Minnesota State University Moorhead

I am overwhelmed.
- Randall McClure, Minnesota State University, Mankato

It truly is sad and we will miss her greatly.
- Gary Langer, Office of the Chancellor

I am very sad to hear the news. I had several opportunities to interact with Carol, including arranging a discipline workshop. Given her energy, enthusiasm, dedication and hardwork, I never once suspected that she was battling cancer. Please convey my condolensces to her family and let them know how much I respected and admired her and if I now close my eyes and think of her, I still cannot believe the news.
- Rekha Ganaganur, Minneapolis Community & Technical College

It was sad for me to read your e-mail about Carol this morning. Carol and I began our teaching careers at Hennepin Technical College in 1972. It was a special time for so many new teachers starting at a brand new school. We really bonded together to help each other and to survive our new and exciting job. You are right about Carol's upbeat spirit and positive attitude. I'm sure she left that spirit with dozens of former students.
- Mike Connelly, Saint Paul College

This is such sad news. Thank you for sending this along. Carol was a wonderful person to work with, and your words captured her spirit.
- Mark Plenke, Normandale Community College

I'm writing to express my condolences at the sense of loss you all must feel at CTL, and others with whom Carol came into contact personally or professionally. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to ease your burden - or that of Carol's family.

She has contributed so much to the teaching lives of hundreds of faculty (and therefore, students) around the state. She cared so much for every event and every detail, so endeared herself to those of us who had the privilege of connecting with her. She will be remembered in many ways, for many conversations, and for her hearty laughter.
- Patty Wheeler-Andrews, Anoka-Ramsey Community College

I am remembering Carol with great respect.
- Frankie Condon, St. Cloud State University

I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. I found her to be an affirming, supportive colleague with such a good sense of humor. We were glad to have her join us for the social work conference here at BSU in April 2005 funded by MnSCU.
- Mary Ann Reitmeir, Bemidji State University

May she be at peace now that her journey has taken a new turn.
- David Christian, Northland Community & Technical College

I was so saddened to hear of Carol's death. We became very good friends over the past 3 years and she was just at Riverland this past spring. From what I saw, she did an excellent job in your office. I am sure you'll miss her as an excellent CTL staff but also as a friend. She certainly lived life well and left her mark as an excellent teacher in MN.
- Gene Frank, Riverland College


I was sorry to hear about Carol. She was a hard working and creative professional and a joy to work with. She will be missed by all of us.
- David Laverny-Rafter, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Thank you for including me with this sad news. I have very fond memories of Carol and working with her....she was a true professional and awesome woman.
- Marietta Saxon, Anoka Technical College

Announcement to CTL Colleagues

Carol was active in the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system's Center for Teaching and Learning for many years. From 2001-2003, she was a member of the CTL Campus Leaders community, representing and serving Hennepin Technical College.

In 2003, Carol came to work at CTL full-time as a faculty development coordinator. Her work in that capacity directly and positively affected hundreds of faculty around the system, and indirectly hundreds more.

She was also a friend and colleague to many of the staff and administrators in the Office of the Chancellor.

Here's the announcement I sent late on Sunday to her CTL associates.

____________________________________________________
I am very sorry to tell you the sad news that our friend and respected
colleague, Carol Steimer Bailey, passed away late Friday.

Carol worked at the Center for Teaching and Learning in the Office of
the Chancellor from 2003 until her retirement in May of this year. In
this office, we were privileged, and pleased daily, to work with her.
Carol was a faculty member who brought 30 years of teaching experience
(in graphics and multimedia at Hennepin Technical College) to her work
in faculty development. Those of you who knew her as director of
statewide discipline workshops, as coordinator of CTL Campus Leadership
programs, as workshop leader, consultant, or friend, know what an
incomparably thoughtful, kind, and ardent professional Carol was. We
will find it hard to absorb her loss.

Carol's battle with cancer began several years ago, but while her
energy (very occasionally) flagged, her enthusiasm, hard work, and
dedication to her colleagues never did. Her summer months continued to
include weeks at the racetrack as one of the country's few women
motorsports photographers.

Carol's husband, Rand Bailey, told me on Saturday that he and Carol's
daughter, Chanda, will announce arrangements for a memorial in the
coming days. I will share that news with you when I have it. Until then,
I hope you will join me in holding the memory of Carol's smiling face in
your minds and hearts.

Lynda Milne
System Director for Faculty Development
Minnesota State Colleges & Universities
http://www.ctl.mnscu.edu

About Carol

This site is a place for Carol's family and friends to share their memories, stories, pictures, and comments.

Here's a photo that Carol took of a top fuel dragster.

You can add comments to any item already posted here; just click underneat the item on the Comments button. If you have photos or would like to write your own post, contact one of the "contributors" (see the top right column), and we can arrange to add you as a "member" who can post entries of your own.