Carol M. Stenson

Carol Stenson, 78, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 28, 2014. Her loved ones were by her side, along with her much adored dog, Katherine Anne (Katie). She was born September 29, 1935 in Roanoke, Virginia to Colonel Fred and Mary Margaret McManaway. Her father's career in the military took the family to a number of military bases around the world. She met her best friend Bunny at Fort Dix, New Jersey and spoke of all the fun she had during those years being a "debutante." She shared many stories of Fort Missoula and growing up with her dear friend John. Carol graduated from Heidelberg High School in Germany in 1953.

Dr. Stenson received a degree in English at the University of Montana and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. While in Missoula she met and married Edwin Stenson on August 18, 1956. They celebrated more than 55 years together.

After receiving her Ph.D. in special education, Carol and Ed moved to Pocatello where Carol taught for more than 25 years at Idaho State University in the College of Education. During those years, Carol built the greatest legacy possible and touched thousands of lives. Dr. Stenson taught her students to use innovative and cutting-edge strategies to measure and maximize learning. Her students, in turn, paid Carol's legacy forward through the differences they made in the lives of the children they taught. Many went on to become award winning teachers and administrators in special education.

Carol was deeply compassionate and lived a life of service to others. She initiated the nationally recognized ISU Saturday School Program. Children with disabilities were brought to ISU by their parents and college students volunteered to provide enriching activities. She also started the Student Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children that was one of the largest student chapters in the west at that time. She endowed student scholarships and provided guidance to many in career development. She also served as President of the Idaho Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children and loved the yearly conferences in Sun Valley. She was a scholar at heart and published papers, articles, and she coauthored three guidebooks for families whose children had special needs. Carol was the 2011-2012 recipient of the Idaho Association of Special Education Administrators (IASEA) Distinguished Service Award for providing superior leadership and advocacy in special education.

Carol was always the consummate teacher and continued to teach her family and friends much about dying with dignity (and humor, in her unique way) during her battle with cancer. Throughout her life, Carol made numerous friends who are all proud to have known her, learned from her, laughed with her, and were saddened at her passing.

Carol is survived by two brothers, Colonel James (Madeline) McManaway, USMC, of Virginia and Colonel William (Sheila) McManaway, US Army, of Texas along with nieces and nephews. She spoke lovingly and frequently about her family, even though separated by miles. She was preceded in death by her husband Ed, her parents, and two stillborn children.

Carol was so appreciative of the loving care and support she received from family, friends, doctors, neighbors, and caretakers. She especially wanted to thank Amber, EmmaLee, and Michelle of Quality Home Care and her nurse, Kara, at Encompass Home Health and Hospice. She spoke often of how wonderful it was to be able to stay in her home surrounded by the people she loved and Katie who never left her bedside.

One of her greatest passions was the humane and loving treatment of pets. She and Ed rescued and adopted many dogs and cats and supported the efforts of the Pocatello Animal Shelter. If you desire to make a contribution in Carol's honor, it may be sent to the Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 281, Pocatello, ID 83204. Carol and Ed created a fund called "Katie's Old Friends" to provide stipends for the adoption of older pets.

Carol's wishes were that she be cremated and no funeral services held. Her arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck. Condolences and remembrances of Dr. Stenson may be sent online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.