Carol Hemingway 04/19/1938 - 05/13/2007 With Dignity and Grace Carol Lou Hemingway was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, on April 19, 1938, to Bill and Margaret Kreuzer. Growing up on the shores of the Mississippi River, Carol became an excellent swimmer and was one of the first female lifeguards at the local beach and was credited with making several rescues. She participated in numerous activities at La Crosse Central High, but it was her piano talent that would change her life forever. While accompanying the choir as a sophomore, she was seen by senior choir member Dennis Hemingway. The seven-year courtship ended in marriage on Dec. 26, 1960. By then, Carol had participated in the Miss Western Wisconsin beauty pageant and also graduated with a degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin, where her husband was a senior medical student in the Army reserves. After ten years of active duty, the family (now with four children) found a permanent home in San Diego, where Carol immediately shared her talents and commitment with the community, becoming a Scout and Campfire leader and serving on numerous school committees. As a water safety instructor, she could be found in numerous backyard pools teaching the neighborhood children how to swim. Carol also became a certified CPR instructor for the Red Cross. Writing was also one of her accomplishments, culminating in the publication of articles and poems and a monthly column in San Diego Home and Garden magazine. She began a writing class at her church and also found time to teach the class to the homeless. Her talents spread to television, when she became the assistant producer of the ecumenical program Focus Five, writing scripts and appearing on camera. An accomplished pianist, her melodies would fill the house as she meditated on the keyboard. Numerous photos show her grand children sitting next to her as she demonstrated the mysteries of the keys. Carol was one of the pianists on the field at the halftime show of Superbowl XX. Despite her activities, she was a stay at home mom, devoting her time, love and talents to her family. Easter egg hunts in the back yard and attending events in which her children and grandchildren participated were special delights. Sewing outfits for her daughter and granddaughters gave her great pleasure. Carol enjoyed sailing with her family. Trips to the Caribbean brought out the snorkel gear. White water rafting and cruises were a part of her life, as well as cross country train trips to the family cottage in Wisconsin. A child of God, Carol was always active in her church. She had an unwavering faith throughout chemotherapy and during her final days with us. Her natural beauty persisted but it was her inner beauty that was so precious. She enjoyed life but always shared herself with others, especially family. A courageous, quiet disciple, full of grace, love and dignity, she was devoted to giving and caring. With her family nearby, Carol died at home on Mother's Day, May 13, 2007, after a struggle with non-smoker's lung cancer. She is survived by her husband Dennis; sons Kevin (Stacy), Steve (Terry) and Troy (Leah) Hemingway; daughter Jill (Bill) Angove; grandchildren Jordon, Kelten, Amy, Morgan, Dana, Mitchell and Trevor; sister June Eisenman; and brother Bill Kreuzer.