1943
2019
Loving Mother, Grandma, Sister, Rowing Coach, age 76, passed away November 5, 2019 with her son by her side. She was born July 14, 1943 on a farm in Bright, Ontario and was the second born of 15 children. Miriam studied nursing at the College of Saint Scholastica. She went on to work as an OR nurse for many years. At the age of 31 she began her passion of competitive rowing and started coaching at age 40. Miriam coached countless champions and is a legacy in the rowing community. Her rowers, family and friends would describe Miriam as tough, intimidating, loud and direct, but under her tough exterior she had a heart of gold. She will be remembered for her loyalty, generosity, thoughtfulness, and her legendary Thanksgiving dinners. In addition to rowing, Miriam's great passion was her two grandchildren. She spent her days loving and teaching them. They loved her unconditionally. Preceded in death by her parents, Allan and Edna; siblings, Luke, James and Myrtle. She will be deeply missed by her son, Zephaniah (Dana); grandchildren, Leah Miriam and Zephaniah Levi; siblings, Ruth (Hugo), Naomi, Moses (Connie), Mark (Reida), Zenas, Amon (Camille), Amos (Christel), Joel (Jadee), Jona (Alicia), Elam (Janis), Eden (Cecile); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews. A celebration of life will be held on November 11th at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church in Mahtomedi at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send your stories and memories of Miriam to [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.
I will always cherish the time with you, friend, coach, motivator. You make me better. Love you.
Karen M Symonds
School
November 2, 2021
Miss you Miriam, big time. Hope your whipping that Archangel eight into shape up there.
Jeff Cook
Friend
November 2, 2020
Miriam was a champion and warrior for her athletes. As gentle as she was tough, she has influenced hundreds of athletes whom she coached and many other athletes and coaches who were privileged to see her in action on the water and with her athletes off the water. She was also kind and generous. The rowing world has lost a great one.
David Millar
January 28, 2020
Miriam I'm so sad to find this obituary today. I have never forgotten
our stair running at Minnehaha Falls and our trip to Boston for
your rowing events. You started me on my path to fitness. It stayed with all my life. Thank you and Bye My Dear Friend Duane Palm
December 13, 2019
It is with sadness to belatedlylearn of Miriam's passing.
Along with many ophthalmologists, I was privileged to have Miriam be the nurse in charge of the ophthalmology operating rooms at Abbott Northwestern. Her work ethic and attention to detail were always appreciated.
Tom Purcell, MD
November 25, 2019
Having been involved with Midwest rowing since the mid 1970's, I was always running into Miriam at races throughout the year. She was as described by so many; tough, caring, focused on excellence, passionate. She will always remain one of my favorite coaches to compete against, and to talk about rowing with on the shores of the many lakes and rivers where we ran into one another.
Miriam was one of the good ones.
Chris Swartz
November 20, 2019
I was saddened to hear of Miriam's passing and wish I could have attended her service. She was my novice coach at the U of MN in 1990 and also coached me at MN Boat Club a couple summers (one of which we went to San Antonio, TX for the Olympic Festival - a highlight of my rowing career). Miriam's leadership and encouragement led me to continue rowing for 7 years, gaining lifelong friends and a newfound (at the time) competitive drive, both of which have been pivotal to how I've lived my life since then. Miriam will always be thought of fondly. My heart goes out to Zeph (who was a young boy when I last saw him) and all those who love her. Rest In Peace, coach.
Stacy Semler
November 19, 2019
I just saw the Strib feature article and am very sorry to have missed Miriam's service. I coached with Miriam for a fall season a few years ago after she broke her femur. She needed someone to drive her around (on roads and water), be her legs, and coach the JV team. She was tough and funny and I liked her no-nonsense work style. The kids adored her and she them. Even if she was tough, she really wanted the best for them and they helped her stay young. I really respected her as a coach and am sorry she's not around anymore.
Kristen O'Brien
November 19, 2019
Miriam gave her heart and soul to all she did. In the operating room she could be seen as abrasive at times but it was her passion for excellence coming through. She wanted the best for her surgeons and their patients. Her best taught lesson was to teach staff that they could be their own worst enemy holding them back from accomplishing their goals or dreams. Miss your dedication to pursuing the things that matter.
Judy Gilsdorf-Gracie
November 19, 2019
Diane Hammill
November 17, 2019
I lives next door to Miriam on Fairview Ave in St. Paul with my husband and two daughters. It was a joy filled experience. We had many wonderful conversations and shared many laughs.
One day Miriam called me over as she had a bunny in the house and couldn't cat it. I saw it under the living room radiator so I promptly laid on the floor and grabbed the tail thinking that the bunny would come with it, but no such luck. I held the puff tail in my hand and no bunny! The poor thing must have been scared to death as he beat it for the door which Miriam held open and out he went!
Our family were transferred to Indiana in 1982, December, just before Miriam had her son. We missed meeting him.
My wonderful memories include meeting Luke and Zenas when they lived there while going to schooland Naomi with her two children. They were so good to our children and we had great conversations with them as well.
We were blessed to live next door to Miriam and I am saddened to hear of her death. She will be sorely missed. May her soul rest in peace.
Diane Hammill
November 17, 2019
My time coaching around you was brief, but you impacted my life in ways you will never know. You demanded excellence. You loved the sport, and taught me to love it as well. You would do anything for your athletes and Minnesota. Boat Club of Saint Paul. I am glad you were in my life.
Love to you family in this time of loss. Memory Eternal Miriam, Memory Eternal.
Edward McCormick
November 16, 2019
Miriam, thank you for being a part of the SPRCC. We'll miss having you are our meetings and your Senate District meetings too.
Sara Rasque
November 15, 2019
Miriam, I loved your energy, your fire, your drive, your love for rowing, your hard work, and showing people that women can be tough as coaches. I appreciated your relentless persistence to get me to come up there to row, our conversations about rowing. OH and will never forget the first time rowing up there. We were on the river, rowing along, cranking out pieces, you yelled something, I turned to the left and we were right next to some big barge. I couldn't believe it. At first I was shocked but once I could sense calm, I realized this was a normal thing. Makes me laugh today. You knew how to live authentically. You will be missed big time. There will be a void at the Minnesota Boat Club with your absence. It won't be the same. Thanks for caring and loving all those you helped in your life at the hospital, the rowing club and everyday life. And thanks for being an ally in our rowing world. May you RIP.
Mandi Kowal
November 15, 2019
Miriam, you are completely unforgettable. Thank you for everything. Your impact on my life is bigger than you may have realized. Rest well.
Jennifer Kalvestran
November 14, 2019
To the memory of Miriam Baer I offer these words: Rowing is a sport of passion - reserved, suffered and enjoyed by really only a few. It thankfully ignores the platitudes otherwise espoused within this massive commercial world we live in - and always has, to its credit. It is a sport of purity, character & discipline. It instead focuses upon the courage, skill and determination of those who sacrifice personal pain for the benefit of their crew or, in Miriam's case, her crews. To those who knew Miriam, were coached by her, were her friends, or were those who simply tipped their hat to her from a distance and with respect, I challenge you all, and myself, to be as good as she was. Jeff Cook, Trinity Hall Boat Club, Hughes Hall Boat Club, Cambridge University (Rowing), England.
Jeff Cook
November 14, 2019
Miriam's ethos of working hard to achieve a goal combined with deep seated humanity were very influential on the younger version of me. A true role model.
I tried to attend the memorial in person, but was stranded due to the bad weather. Here I express my deep condolences to all Miriam's family. She made a positive difference in the world and in many peoples lives.
David Daney
November 13, 2019
Virginia Wabbe
November 11, 2019
Blessings to everyone who loved and will miss Miriam.
Miriam. What a legend! The chosen song with which she wanted to be associatedShall We Gather at the Riverhow apprapo! Think of how all the times we did just that with her.
The words that come to mind when I think of all the hours, days, weeks, months and years spent with her rowing and just hanging out: willful, fierce, winsome, generous, spitfire, stubborn, laughs easily, big hearted, always game for an adventure
Miriam, you will be remembered. Know that you were loved and will be missed. So glad we had that long chat by tellie a few weeks ago.
Sonny
Sonny Schneiderhan
November 11, 2019
1977 winsome Miriam on the carousel at Disney World in Orlando with members of crew team.
Sonny Schneiderhan
November 11, 2019
I am the grateful mother of one of Miriams prior, junior rowers. Miriams strong influence, helped guide my daughter Anna through her teen and young adult years. Here are a few of Miriams acts of kindness that I am grateful for:
- Miriam told it like it was. When Anna or a rowing friends did not give their all, Miriam let them know what was expected in her wonderful direct way, and at least for Anna, her behavior changed. Miriams expectation of excellence was rewarded with her juniors truly pushing for their personal best.
- When my work conflicted with my ability to drive Anna to rowing, Miriam was always willing to her up. She gave her all to her rowers.
- Miriam shared her family and its resources:
One year, Anna was struggling with math. Miriam introduced Anna to her math teacher sister Naomi. After some excellent tutoring, she aced the course.
Once Anna graduated from high school and was looking for a summer internship before college, Miriam made a call to Elam and helped arrange for a paid internship at Corporate Technologies. Here Anna learned she liked and was good at sales. This continues to influence her path.
These are only a few of the kindnesses Miriam blessed our family with. Miriam had a heart of gold and she will be missed.
Toni Roe
Friend
November 11, 2019
Miriam @ 1977 Nationals in Philadelphia
Sonny Schneiderhan
November 11, 2019
Miriam and I met in 1974 during spring training with the U of M women's crew team in Tampa FLorida. We rowed together for 4 years. I then rowed for the Minnesota Boat Club from 1988-1992 with Miriam who coached us to many medals and trophies and made us many pots of her wonderful, infamous soups.
I wanted to share these photos especially because they go back almost to our beginnings in the world if rowing. So Miriam and I were an unlikely pair to row in a LIGHTWEIGHT pair. Mind you, Miriam Was NOT a lightweight with any stretch of the imagination; and, we had had only several sessions to practice rowing the pair prior to the regatta. Of course she had to make wt by dropping 1o lbs. Besides eating only half a cantaloupe the day before, I remember her spending the evening before and morning of the race doing s whole lot of spitting into a Kleenex . Miriam overpowered me; my steering was shakey at best but we managed to take second place. She reflected after the race: If we had rowed a straight course we would have taken first.
Blessings to everyone who loved and will miss Miriam.
Miriam. What a legend! The chosen song with which she wanted to be associatedShall We Gather at the Riverhow apprapo! Think of how all the times we did just that with her.
The words that come to mind when I think of all the hours, days, weeks, months and years spent with her rowing and just hanging out: willful, fierce, winsome, generous, spitfire, stubborn, laughs easily, big hearted, always game for an adventure
Miriam, you will be remembered. Know that you were loved and will be missed. So glad we had that long chat by tellie a few weeks ago.
Sonny
Sonny Schneiderhan Schneiderhan
November 10, 2019
I was so impressed with Miriam's passion towards things that were important to her - and her honesty in expressing her beliefs and opinions. She raised a wonderful son, Zeph, who I am proud to call my son-in-law. She has made a good and lasting impression on our mutual grandchildren - Leah Miriam and Zephy. I will definitely feel her absence. My sincere condolences to her son, brothers and sisters.
Nancy Schumacher
Friend
November 10, 2019
I met Miriam in the mid-sixties through a mutual friend, Jack. I left for Madison, WI and she came there a couple of years later. She had rented a house there, along with other of her family, where I also lived for some time. And, we both worked at UofWI hospital, psych. She worked nights and took classes and pushed herself hard, a tough taskmaster, primarily on herself, yet giving and accepting. In later years, she was so happy to have her son, Zephy, and even happier when in later years, he gave her two grandchildren! She was strong and stood firm in her beliefs. I am glad to have known Miriam and sad to hear of her passing.
Jan Baumanis
November 10, 2019
In the late '60s and early '70 Miriam was a very special psychiatric nurse at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. When struggles with mentally individuals became physical, she was so effective, saying that her early experiences wrestling with farm animal had taught her a lot. - Willy Becker, MSW
Willy Becker
November 9, 2019
Rest In Peace Miriam. You are a legendary coach in mid-west rowing. We will miss you.
Don Hornby
November 9, 2019
For those who were athletes of Miriam, they know Miriam was intense, yes, but it is rare for someone to be so passionate about something in life. I am honored to have been able to witness that passion. She will be greatly missed by so many but truly never forgotten.
Sandi McCarthy
November 9, 2019
You will be missed dear friend.......
The Hallman family
November 9, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Please know you are in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Being one of the younger cousins our paths did not cross often. Wish I had known her better. Sounds like she lived a very full life.
The Jeremiah Baer family.
Donna (BAER) Brown
November 9, 2019
Very sad to hear - although my time Minnesota was only one season - and it's been too many years since I have seen her, Miriam had quite the impact on me. She was a no nonsense personality but with a heart of gold. It was an honor to have been coached by her - even when she made me and another row back what seemed like forever from the Ford dam going up river against the Mississippi - after I'd make some rookie mistake during practice. Through her coaching I learned to not make that same mistake in competition. That work ethic she taught me in one season has stayed with me to this day. I will miss her intensity and tough love of her boys.
Casey Lake
November 9, 2019
What an amazing coach she was! I was on a rowing machine in the club and she suggested "Try this" and it immediately improved. I didn't know she was, but I soon found out. Great person.
Robin Rainford
November 8, 2019
Love you! Thanks for making a difference in my life.
November 8, 2019
Karen Symonds
November 8, 2019
Thank you for inspiring my son.
Patty Hall
November 8, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Miriam introduced me to the irrational passion of rowing at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1976. The love of rowing I gained from her made a significant impact on my life. She was a very special person and I know she had a huge positive impact on many who took her challenge to try our great sport.
Bill Donoho
November 8, 2019
So sorry for your loss. God Bless and keep Miriam's family wrapped in HIS tender loving care. Hugs - prayers - peace.
Sue Berg
November 8, 2019
Miriam was a wonderful coach, mentor and friend to so many people.
J Stubbs
November 8, 2019
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