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Carol Nalbandian Obituary

Carol Nalbandian

Carol Nalbandian, a resident of Lawrence since 1976, passed away on January 7, 2014 in her home. Time and place for a celebration of her life will be announced.

She was born in 1944 to Yoneyo and Eiichi Taniguchi in a WWII internment camp in Arizona. Following the war, her family resettled in Los Angeles where she grew up in the house behind the mom and pop grocery store her parents owned and operated. As a child she attended Japanese language classes and learned and publicly performed traditional dances in addition to excelling in school. Carol graduated on scholarship from the University of Southern California where she met John, her husband of 47 years.

Following John's time in the Army and CIA and with their young child, John Baylor in arms, they returned to Los Angeles, where Carol supported the family as John earned his PhD. John's work took them to what for them was a great unknown—Lawrence, Kansas--in 1976 and employment as a faculty member in Public Administration at the University of Kansas.

Carol worked at KU specializing in professional management education in the School of Continuing Education and then in the School of Business. Opportunity arose with the Leadership Center at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka where she practiced the client centered consultation skills she had learned during her Masters degree education at California State University, Los Angeles, and then later with her doctoral degree in Communication Studies at KU.

Carol became John's partner not only in life, but in work as well. Carol led the relationship side of their management consultant business, which took them all over the country working with local governments. They hosted local government professionals from around the world in their home, and Carol enjoyed immensely the Christmas parties and summer picnics they hosted for John's Public Administration students.

Carol's life was marked by the unpretentious but powerful influence of her Buddhist upbringing. She was notably and admirably comfortable with herself. She never asked for more than she had. She could find something of interest in virtually every person she met. She was the consummate caretaker – always making sure that the needs of others were met. And, she loved every moment she spent with her precious grandchildren, George and Janie.

In addition to her work and family, Carol gave much to the community. She served on the boards of Headquarters Crisis Counseling Center, the Community Mercantile, Friends of the Library, and most recently, 10,000 Villages and Family Promise.

Carol first encountered the oncology group at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in 2002 when breast cancer was discovered and continued to receive treatment after she presented symptoms of ovarian cancer in 2007. Never did she see herself in a "fight" with the cancer; never did she use the term "battle," and never did she say "why me?" She accepted every new physical limitation on her life as part of a new normal and in doing so she earned the respect of those who knew what she was going through. The family is grateful to the Oncology Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and also to Visiting Nurses of Douglas County Hospice for their caring involvement with both Carol and John.

In addition to her husband, Carol leaves her son, John, her daughter-in-law, Carrie, and Carol's dearest grandchildren, George and Janie, in Northern Kentucky. She is survived by her sister, June; her brother-in-law, Allen, in Los Angeles; and her two nieces, Lisa, in Portland, and Naomi and her family, in the Bay Area. She leaves her husband's caring sister, Terry, in Los Angeles.

Inurnment will be at the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles. The family prefers no flowers; tributes in Carol's name to the Lawrence Public Library (www.lawrencepubliclibrary foundation.org/) or a charity of choice are welcomed and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 9, 2014.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Nalbandian

Not sure what to say?





John, My favorite memory of Carol was of seeing her in a local restaurant or at LMH Oncology and she would ask how far out I was (Breast cancer survivors are deemed "out of the woods" after five years). What a beautiful, caring person. I will miss her smile, her encouragement, her love. Sending good thoughts and prayers for you at this time.

Dorothy Stites

January 22, 2014

John, Carol was a very special person in my life. The three years we worked together shaped my future as a person and my career. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Steve Sublett

January 16, 2014

John: What a lovely person she was! I'm so sorry.
Don

Don Marquis

January 13, 2014

Dear John,
Condolences to you and your family. Carol was a good and kind person and a great educator. I will never forget her smile.

Sincerely,

Ruby DePriest-McDavis

January 11, 2014

So very very sorry for your loss, John.
I still have AND use the pencils Carol
brought me back from Japan in 1986 or
1987. I only saw her once a year or so
but I could tell she was a very special person. That's not just a polite comment. Its absolutely true.

Larry Auwarter

January 11, 2014

John, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Carol and you are in my prayers.

Don Heiman

January 11, 2014

John, so very, very sorry for for your loss. I still have AND use the pencils
Carol brought to me from Japan in 1986
or 1987. Although I only saw her once a year or so, I could tell she was someone special. And, that's not just
a polite statement. It's absolutely true.

Larry Auwarter

January 11, 2014

John and Family,

My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I will never forget Carol's graciousness, gentleness and wonderful sense of humor! She was always smiling and treated everyone with respect. Her spirit will live on in the many lives she's touched. Hugs to all of you!

Suzanne Thomas

January 10, 2014

To John and Family,
I was honored to work with Carol this past fall on the Family Promise Golf Tournament. She was an amazing leader and person. She touched many of us and that gift will be passed on.
Gratefully,
Elaine Brady

January 10, 2014

I worked with Carol when she was with the School of Business. She was a wonderful lady to work with. Always smiling and so much fun. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. My sincere condolences.

Dennis Rosen

January 10, 2014

Carol's shining spirit will live on in everything she did for our community. Much missed, much admired, much loved.

Martha Thorp

January 10, 2014

Mr. Nalbandian, My deepest sympathy to you and your family.I was a student of yours in 1984 and I remembered you spoke lovingly of your family. Embrace all of the wonderful memories you shared with Mrs Nalbandian.

Jeff Tryon

January 9, 2014

John, my sympathies to you and your family. I feel fortunate to have worked for Carol so many years ago at KU. I have fond memories.

Anita Abel

January 9, 2014

I don'tknow if you remember me. My husband, Jon, was real good friends with Junichi. I met you then. Ed told me today about the death of Carol and I am sadden and so sorry for you loss.
Sayoko "Sy" Takats

January 9, 2014

John- I was very sorry to learn of Carol's death. My deepest sympathy to you.

Dulcy Sellon

January 9, 2014

In Greek culture there is a refrain for those who have departed. It is A-O-EE-NEE-MEE and means memory eternal - when we recall our departed we restore them to life. A-O-EE-NEE-MEE Carol as you will be remebered long and well by those fortunate to have known you.

Dean Palos

January 9, 2014

It was a pleasure to work with Carol to bring Ten Thousand Villages to Lawrence. It was an honor to get to know her through the board and her commitment to fair trade. This community has lost a just and honorable woman.

Ann Brill

January 9, 2014

John - I am so sorry for your loss. Carol was one of my favorite people. I will miss her upbeat, funny personality. I send best wishes for happier days for you.
Maurice Joy

January 9, 2014

To the family of Carol Nalbandian
With sympathy for your loss
Judy Billings

January 9, 2014

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Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

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