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DEIRDRE BADER Obituary

BADER--Deirdre Russell,

(nee Murphy), beloved wife of Lawrence S. Bader, adoring mother of Ethan Russell Bader, cherished daughter of Daniel Murphy and Sally Kandle, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2014 at the Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. Deirdre was the Executive Director of Star Track, a cycling charity for New York City children between the ages of 7 and 14. Using the City's outdoor velodrome in Kessina Park in Queens, Deirdre founded the charity in connection with New York's bid for the 2012 Olympic games and led Star Track's growth over the past 12 years to the point where, in this year, 300 children were enrolled in Star Track, with a long waiting list. Star Track is a free program that teaches children how to ride specialized bicycles designed for competition on banked tracks called velodromes. It was Deirdre's hope that by learning to ride on a velodrome, the children could develop fitness, self-esteem and teamwork. Deirdre's involvement in competitive cycling began when she was 32 years old, and she retired at the age of 41, having just competed for Ireland in the women's road race in the Sydney Australia Olympics. Deirdre was born and raised in New York City, and while in high school, obtained Irish citizenship at the urging of her father. Years later, representing Ireland, Deirdre raced against international competition in Montevideo, Uruguay in a qualifying race to determine which countries could send their road cycling competitors to the 2000 Olympics. By finishing fourth in that race, Deirdre qualified Ireland to send its first woman road cyclist ever to the Olympics. Deirdre was also the Women's World Masters champion in 1997 for all women over 30 years old, earning her the coveted "Rainbow Jersey" worn by the reigning world's champion in one of cycling's disciplines --in her case, the road race. In her career, she won 81 races. Deirdre married her husband, Lawrence in 2002 and gave birth to their son, Ethan, in 2007. Deirdre was an extraordinarily beautiful woman who embodied generosity of spirit, warmth, loyalty, competitiveness and intelligence. She will be missed terribly by all who knew her. It was her request that in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory be made to Star Track at "Bike New York/Star Track", 12 East 87th Street, New York, N.Y. 10128. A funeral service will be held at The Brick Presbyterian Church at 1140 Park Avenue on Saturday, November 15 at 11am, followed by a reception.

Published by New York Times on Nov. 13, 2014.
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Deirdre, I miss you. A class act all the way. A great person to be in the trenches with. A favorite memory is meeting to ride on Halloween. My idea of that was bringing candy. Yours' was showing up in leopard print arm warmers and a platinum blonde wig:)

Larry and Ethan, I'm glad you have each other. Deirdre was so proud of you. I loved it when she referred to you as her boys. I'm take some comfort, however small, in knowing she fit a lot into those 55 years. I hope you can too.

Maryanne (your ohni)

December 11, 2014

RIP Deirdre, the cycling world won't be the same with out you. I'm glad to say you were once a friend

Jason Snow

December 9, 2014

I wish to correct an stupid error I made in my message yesterday when I should said that the Games were of course in Sydney & not Melbourne. I am sorry for this error. Tony Allen

Tony Allen

November 25, 2014

I was very sorry to here of Deirdre's death & please except my condolence. I met Deirdre due to my position as Team of the Irish Cycling team at the Melbourne Olympics & I know how proud she was to be present there riding for Ireland. She will be remembered in the prayers of myself & my family.
Tony Allen Team Manager Irish Cycling Team Melbourne 2000

Tony Allen

November 24, 2014

Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with her family. Deirdre was always a fierce competitor in racing, but also a most thoughtful and kind person, helping mentor riders in the sport, and later being an incredible coach. What she has given to the sport of bike racing through Star Track is a legacy that will be felt for generations.

Tara Parsons

November 23, 2014

My family and I were saddened to learn of Deirdre's passing. We cannot begin to imagine how hard this has been for you both and although no one can prepare you for a loss take comfort knowing that she is now resting in the arms of the Lord. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you both during these difficult days. You and Ethan are in our prayers. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.

Adolfo & Patricia Rodriguez

November 17, 2014

Thank you for inspiring countless children and instilling the love of cycling. May the Lord comfort your family and your legacy continue to flourish behind your spirit.

Donna Howard

November 17, 2014

I am so sorry for the family's loss. May you draw close to the God of all comfort through prayer and He will give you peace. Phillipians 4:6,7

November 17, 2014

Our sincere condolences.

Millie and Tony
team TAM Cycling

Team TAM

November 15, 2014

RIP Deidre. My heart goes out to your family. Star Track, dedication to your family and influence on NYC cycling is amazing legacy. Your light will be missed.

Tenley Jordan

November 15, 2014

Deidre, you have left an amazing legacy with your beloved youth track program. I will miss you and cycling will miss you. You gave so much. Thank you.

Tracy Lea

November 14, 2014

My condolences to the Bader family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your love one.

November 14, 2014

We will all miss you so much Deirdre. Rest in peace.
Millicent Fortunoff

Millicent Fortunoff

November 14, 2014

I am so sorry for the family's loss. May you draw close to the God of all comfort through prayer and He will give you peace. Phillipians 4:6,7

November 14, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with Deirdre's family at this very sad time.

Roseann Scibelli

November 13, 2014

Deirdre was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to all of us. We are grateful for her vision in creating Star Track, and the opportunity that she gave to our children Billy and Caroline to be a part of the Star Track family. We promise to do our very best to keep Star Track great. We will miss you. Our very deepest condolences to Larry and Ethan. You should have had many more wonderful years of Deirdre.

Shelly & Peter Taylor

November 13, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Larry and Ethan as they mourn the loss of the wonderful Deirdre. We feel grateful to have known Deirdre and to have seen the amazing impact she made on this world. She certainly made our world a better place.

Laura McVey

November 13, 2014

Our deepest condolences. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Torres-Graham Family

Olga Lucia Torres

November 13, 2014

Our deepest condolences to your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our son Edward has been close friends with Ethan since kindergarten and Dierdre has always been so kind to both Edward and our family. May she rest in peace. - The Chan Family

Frank Chan

November 13, 2014

My condolences to Deirdres family & friends. From a cycling fan in Dublin Ireland. My she RIP.

bren kennedy

November 13, 2014

My condolences to the family,sorry for your loss. May the words of Christ Jesus be of comfort to you. Matthew 11:28,29,30,

R E

November 13, 2014

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