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Carolyn Berland Obituary

Berland, Carolyn passed away at her home early in the morning on August 16, 2005. She was born March 14, 1946, to Victor and Isabel Feldman in Philadelphia. She attended Reed College, but moved to Chicago and was married to Kerry Berland in August, 1965. A talented abstract expressionist painter, Carolyn graduated with a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was deeply involved in the education of her two children, Juliana and Paul, leading her to begin a career as a teacher. She earned an MA in mathematics at Northeastern Illinois University, and taught geometry and calculus at Orr, Metro, and Whitney Young High Schools in Chicago. Carolyn was strongly committed to environmental and social justice causes throughout her life. Drawn to Buddhism through study and meditation, she tried to be a bodhisattva, a spiritual person who is engaged with the world. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2002, and fought valiantly to maintain an active life, undergoing two operations and extensive chemotherapy, and keeping up her work as a teacher until May, 2005. Her strength, determination, and loving nature have inspired more people than she realized. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., on Sunday, August 28, at 57th St. Friends Meeting, 5615 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gilda's Club of Chicago, 312-464-9900. For further information contact National Cremation Service, 773-271-4974.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 21, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Carolyn Berland

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Laura Mueller

August 26, 2005

Carol's friends from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago remember her bold, colorful abstract paintings, but also her interest in doing figurative work, especially figure drawings. I also remember how intensely she wanted to master the piano. She was a loyal friend, always willing to help. I will always be grateful for the way she helped me and my family on one of the worst days of my life (which happened to be a holiday.) What a brave person she was!

Marty Gartzman

August 25, 2005

The Chicago Public Schools mathematics community mourns Carol's loss. Her professional legacy lies within the thousands of former students who benefited from her classes and the hundreds of mathematics teachers who she impacted through her stellar work with teacher professional development. We both mourn her passing and revel in her accomplishments. Thank you, Carol, for your dedication and contributions to the mathematics students and teachers in CPS.



Marty Gartzman

CPS Chief Mathematics and Science Officer

Martha Murphy

August 25, 2005

I was so saddened to hear of Carol's passing. I will always be inspired as I remember her courage and calm as she faced this battle. I will remember her quick smile, her dancing eyes and her always open heart. It was an honor to have been her colleaugue. She will be missed at Whitney Young High School.

Gayle Hynda Brown

August 24, 2005

I am so sorry to hear of Carolyn's passing. I have worked with her in the mathematics department at Whitney Young High School since she began teaching there.

Despite her own pain and suffering, she still managed to be supportive when I developed Cancer earlier this year.

She will be greatly missed. I am so very sorry for your loss, your pain and your sorrow.

Ron Giranio

August 24, 2005

I am so sorry to learn of Carolyn's death. She was a valued colleague of mine at Whitney Young for many years. Moreover, she was a good person who courageously fought a very painful disease while continuing to teach. My deepest condolences go out to her family.

Ron Giranio

Jay Lee

August 24, 2005

I want to express my condolences to the Berland family. I worked with Carolyn at Whitney Young High School and found her to be a very dedicated teacher. She has impacted the lives of her students here. My prayers are with you.

Bernadette McHale

August 21, 2005

My sincere condolences to all of Carolyn's family. I worked with her all of the years that she was at Whitney Young. She was not a woman who shied away from perceived injustice. She held strong to her beliefs. She was at her most gallant, in her fight for life. Daily I admired her stamina and outright love of life. She will be missed.

Ulrich Heilke

August 21, 2005

Goodbye sweet Carol.



Next time we meet, I'll try to play the Goldberg Variations for you. You'll forgive my mistakes. You always did before.

Linda Heesemann

August 21, 2005

I was so sad to hear about Carolyn’s death. She and have I worked together at Whitney Young for the past few years. I was consistently amazed at her strength as she battled her illness. You and your family will be in my prayers today, and in the coming days as you console each other...and celebrate the life of a wonderful person.

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