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Kate Barany Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Kathy Peregrine Fryxell
July 26, 2011
I worked for Kate as a lab technician from 1986 to 1989. I had just graduated from college, and this was my first job. She was eager to teach me, and I was excited to work in a lab in Chicago. I had heard Kate referred to as punctual in other stories, which resonates with me too. My start time was 8:00 in the morning, which really meant 7:55 ready to go with lab coat on. Sometimes this was a challenge for me since I lived on the north end of Chicago and had to take 2 trains to commute to work. Lucky for me, I too was an early bird like Kate.
Sometimes Kate would suggest that we take a break and go swim at the UIC pool. At the time I thought it was odd to do laps with my boss, but we both liked to swim and it was a nice break. A couple of times we swam at her outdoor pool at her apartment complex. Although she loved to work, she knew the importance of exercise and taking breaks once in a while.
We kept in touch all of these years, and I was surprised by how much she emphasized the importance of family life. She was very interested in hearing about my husband and kids. I would ask her advice about juggling family and work, and she would tell me not to worry because I was smart and I have opportunity here in this country. Working in Kate’s lab was a good stepping-stone for me in my science career. I now teach at the Univ. of MN, and I often think about her advice on career choices and managing home life.
Jayashree Venkatasubramanian
July 5, 2011
Dr. Barany was very special to me and she made a huge impact in my life. In 1993, I came to the US and entered the Physiology department as a graduate student The very first section of Physiology was Nerve-Muscle physiology and Dr. Barany taught it in such a manner that I still remember parts of the lecture. So powerful was her influence on me, that I wanted to be a teacher one day and wished to be at least half as good as her. Today, when I teach Physiology, I try to do my best to mimic her ways of teaching.
I also had the pleasure of knowing her personally as I lived in the same apartment as the Barany's and the memory of them holding hands and walking in the garden every evening is something I will hold on forever. She will always be remembered fondly.
Judith Gardiner
July 1, 2011
Kate was a great friend and supporter of women at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She will be missed.
Suzanna Lengyel
June 28, 2011
I am unable to talk about Kate Barany, the scientist. I will try to mention two episodes about Kate, the mother, the best mother I have ever known. One:
When Kate and Michael occasionally went out in the evening, they left something unusual for George and Francis: math problems to solve. In the course of the evening, there was some phone contact regarding the progress of solving the math problems.
And two: On one occasion, I told Kate that I have no time for something we were going to do together, Why not? I have to take my daughter, Carole, for a gymnastics class. Kate’s response: why do you have to take her for a lesson? You could just buy a book and learn how to do it. Then you could teach her yourself. This was surprising at the time, but it was typical for Kate: you can learn everything and pass on what you have learned.
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Karen Ball
June 28, 2011
Dr. Barany was a very special woman! We all have our wonderful memories, but my favorite memory comes from the day I turned 25. Dr. Barany marched into our lab, approached and asked: How old are you? When I responded that on that day I turned 25 she responded that it was indeed time for me to find a husband! Three months later, to no avail, she made her best effort at kickstarting this task.
To this day, when I teach muscle physiology to my undergraduates, I always talk about the critical contributions of the Baranys and how special it was to be their pupil. I am so honored to have been able to learn from a most remarkable woman!
Christian Evans
June 28, 2011
Dr. Kate Barany was one of my professors and a mentor to me throughout my PhD program at UIC from 1995-2000. I recall her telling me how important punctuality was for success in teaching. I knew she meant business because she mentioned it 3 times in that first 5 minute meeting. Nevertheless, she was extremely patient when tutoring. When I met with her about questions I had, she was overjoyed to spend time tutoring and checked to ensure I understood everything before moving on. She had a real passion for teaching! She was simply an amazing person whose life was a testament to strength and determination, but it was obvious she found joy in science and helping others.
My thoughts and best wishes are with Michael Barany, her family and her many firends at UIC at this difficult time.
Michelle Gittler
June 26, 2011
Dr Barany was one of my professors in medical school (UIC) in 1984. She was the only professor I got to know, visiting her apartment, having tea. She was a mentor to me, not in the sciences, but in life, telling me that children and family would be as/more important than career, and I should really think about getting married. I finally brought my boyfriend to meet her, and thankfully, she approved and we got married! I am grateful for the support she gave me. She is remembered.
George Barany
June 23, 2011
Dear Mom, we will never forget what you taught us both concretely and by example. Your courageous life, which brought so much warmth and happiness to others, will always be remembered with much love. George and Family
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