Carolyn Baider Obituary

Carolyn was exemplary in her work and in her friendship. I remember the conversations we had and how she made origami cranes, a symbol of peace

It was such a joy to know Carolyn. I think of her expression about pigs flying, and it brings a laugh in difficult times.l

Carolyn remains an inspiration to me as I work with children with special needs.

I enjoy my memories of Carolyn from our time together in District 15. She had such a positive attitude toward her students and we were lucky to know her.

I've never written on here for her obituary. I had Carolyn Baider when I was in Junior High School for some parts. She was always so kind to me, always pushed me to succeed, and always gave me.her individual attention when I needed it to get projects done I was behind in. I never did my homework and I had so many projects that were late, but Carolyn would sit me down with her and she pushed me to get them all done. I graduated because of her. I got her this little blue glass bird that as far as I knew, she kept. I came back to Walter R. Sundling Junior High School to visit her, I was able to see her once and the second time I came, she wasn't there as she was sick I believe. I graduated from Palatine High School on 2003 and always remembered her and I owe her much gratitude. She would talk about her daughter many times whom I never met, but I hope she takes after her mother. I do recall that Carolyn beat cancer at one point. Its to bad shes gone. I went on the charity walk for her called 'When Pigs Fly'. That was her motto. Thank you so much Carolyn for never giving up on me. I wouldn't of ever graduated if it wasn't for you. You'll always have a place in my heart and mind. Wherever you are, I know you're spreading kindness and joy.

I miss Carolyn and am aware that the world is a sadder place without her. But her legacy of care and concern continues in the lives of the students and colleagues she inspired.

I will always remember the wonderful talks Carolyn and I shared. It is also a joy to tell my students about the peace cranes she made during meetings. She is still very much missed.

Dear Andi,

I just heard about your loss and I am sorry. If there is anything you or your family needs please let me know. My families thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I had the good fortune of meeting Carolyn years ago when Sara and my daughter, Alyse, were inseparable friends in grade school. My condolences to the entire family. She will be greatly missed.

My wife and I had the great fortune of knowing Carolyn for the past 15 years. There are so many stories of her acts if kindness; but I will never forget the get well card she sent to my daughter following a tonsillectomy, even while she was undergoing treatment. And every December she would send me a little book to make my holiday season just that much brighter. That was SO Carolyn.Touching us in ways we only now can fully appreciate ... and miss. Goodbye old friend.

I feel so honored to have worked with Carolyn the last 8 years. She was my mentor, colleague and friend. Carolyn was the type of person that would have a way of touching everyone she came into contact with – especially her students. No task was too great for her. When I think about the type of person/educator that I would like to strive to be … Carolyn Baider comes to mind (no doubt)!!

I was a student of Mrs Baider's when i was at Sundling. I don't think i could have graduated without her help and support. Mrs. Baider you are loved and miss greatly and will be in the heart's of Sundling student's,graduated students of Sundling,and teacher's forever

Carolyn and I started at Sundling the same year. She was always helpful caring and an unbelieveable source of information on children and learning. She was a wonderful teacher, a true professional, and an even better friend. My family and I will miss her greatly.

I worked for (or as she always said,with) Carolyn for two years. However, Carolyn quickly became a close friend. She was a true advocate for all students. I think of Carolyn everyday and miss her compassion,intelligence, and sense of humor. She was a caring and generous friend who certainly taught us all that, "fair means everyone gets what they need." Thank-you for the birthday gift. Jean

Not a day goes by that I don't think about Carolyn. She was a great source of knowledge and encouragement these past three years that we spent together as team members.She never hesitated to help any student in need and she was always offering books,materials,food and her famous "quotes" to fellow staff members. Not only was she a hard worker on behalf of all students, but she was always going the exta mile for her colleagues.

Whenever I hear political debate, I think of her strongly held views and her discreet way of discussing them. She was never one to foist her opinion on others, yet simmering below the surface she was quite passionate about education and politics.

Whenever I hear a sermon, I wonder what Carolyn would say if she heard it.In addition to her incredible patience,one of the things I'll miss most about Carolyn is her wonderful mind.

Warmest thoughts are with Mr. Baider and family during this difficult time. My sincerest condolences.

Violet Stokovich RN - Case Manger

Midwestern Regional Medical Center

Carolyn was my best friend in high school. We studied French together and for a while dreamt of living in France. I did her hair for the senior prom and sang at her wedding. Over the years we lost contact, yet we both became teachers. She has been in my heart all these years as a person who cared deeply about others and who always encouraged their dreams, including my own. Her steadfast faith in those around her was a most precious gift.



As teens, I would stay over and sleep on the amazing trundle bed.

We talked of so many dreams. We certainly laughed a lot. Forty years later I remember her warmth and kindness vividly. What a remarkable woman.

I was a student of Mrs. Badier in 7th grade, she was a wonderful and nice Teacher, I will miss her alot

The best friend, teacher, and mother I could have ever asked for. Thank you to all of you for making her feel loved. I know she always made everyone feel loved. I will always love you, Mom.

Conversing casually with Carolyn last year about the nature of language, I gave an example of the lyricism of the King James Version of the Bible. Some days after our conversation – I had long since put it out of my mind – Carolyn called me into her office, dug around in her briefcase muttering, “I know I brought it; I’m pretty sure I put it in here; where is it?” and eventually produced a single piece of paper decorated with flowers. On it, amid their splashy colors, she had printed the full text of the passage that begins, “Consider the lilies of the field…” and a similar quote from Kahlil Gibran. That was Carolyn. She always remembered the things that mattered.

Carolyn will always stand as an example of a great teacher. She knew what students needed, and she would do anything in her power to help them learn and grow. I first met Carolyn at Pleasant Hill School, where I was fascinated with the hand bound books she created. When we renewed our acquaintance a few years later at Sundling Junior High, Carolyn was a special education teacher. She advocated for students who needed special assistance and treated each person she encountered with respect and friendliness.



We will all miss Carolyn's optimism and friendship.



Sally Scheib

For the past year and a half, I wake up each morning and think of Carolyn. My husband and I were trying to have a baby and the process was quite frustrating. Carolyn told me about her difficulties conceiving and one day gave me one of her little flying pigs. I hung him in my bathroom and every day I rubbed his head for good luck. I eventually got pregnant and now have a beautiful little boy. I continued to rub my piggy's head though, for good luck for Carolyn. Now, I rub his head in memory of her and what a caring and generous person she was. Thank you for sharing her with all of us at Sundling. Love, Kelly