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Carol Strauss Obituary
Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and educator passed away on Monday, May 1, 2006. She was born March 1, 1948 at Ft. Lewis, Tacoma, WA. Dr. Strauss was a 50-year resident of Palos Verdes Estates. Dr. Strauss devoted her entire 35-year career in education within the Palos Verdes Unified School District. She commenced teaching at Miraleste High School in 1971 and held a myriad of positions over the years at PVPUSD. Her career culminated in 1997, when she was appointed as the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction and later became the Director of Educational Services at the PVPUSD Valmonte Administration Center. She also served as Administrator of the Marymount Palos Verdes College summer program. Dr. Strauss touched the educational lives of countless students, in addition to her roles within the School District. Dr. Strauss graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 1966. She attended the Institute for American Universities in Aix En Provence, France, receiving a Certificate of European Studies in June 1969, and then graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1970, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and French. In 1977, she received a Master of Arts degree in Instructional Technology in Secondary Education from California State University, Long Beach, and a Doctor of Education degree in Administration, Curriculum and Policy in June 1997 from UCLA. Dr. Strauss, the daughter of William Strauss and the late Nancy Joan Strauss, is also survived by her brother and sister, Steven (LuAnn) and Suzanne (John Morley); a niece, Amanda; nephews, Jonathan, Andrew and Scott; and step-mother Betty. Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, May 12 at 4:00 PM at The Peter Gesell Leimbach Chapel Garden, located at Little Sisters of the Poor, 2100 S. Western Ave., San Pedro. Private interment services will be held the following day, May 13, at noon at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. In lieu of flowers, donations for a scholarship fund in Dr. Strauss' memory has been established as follows: PVPHS Dr. Carol Lee Strauss, 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.Green Hills Mortuary
310-831-0311
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Memories and Condolences
for Carol Strauss
Michael Beecher
July 18, 2023
I was aware that Ms. Strauss had passed, but I had not read her full obituary. She was clearly my most memorable and effective educator at Miraleste. I too was one of the lucky students she chose to travel to Europe in the spring of 1982. It was my first, and Ms. Strauss made it memorable to this day. She also encouraged me to attend her alma mater and had other everlasting influences on my life. She was that teacher every student hopes for, but few ever get. I will remember her forever. Thanks for all you did.
Rhonda
June 23, 2023
Wow just saw this post... I was class of 1983. I was so very fortunate to have her as a teacher, also fortunate to be one of the 15 that were selected to go to Europe with her. I turned 18 on London on our trip and she took me out for a beer. (It was legal in London) just had the best time. This world needs more lee strauss teachers!
Christine Eastman
January 27, 2021
Wow. Random thought brought me here. I can NOT believe she died 15 years ago. I can single-handedly say she was my favorite teacher of all time. Larger than life, always laughing and smiling (unless she was putting you in your place!:), full of great stories of history - this is where she shined in my opinion. I wasn't into history or government as a high schooler, but she had a way of getting me into it! Flash forward a lot of years and I'm "into" my local community's government/chamber of commerce and I attribute it partially to her and partially to my mother-in-law, who decided to run for (and win) a seat on City Council in Anaheim, CA with no political experience or "real" work experience. Two of the strongest women/influencers really in my life. I'm so saddened to learn of her passing and wish I'd known...would have been honored to attend her service/celebration of life. What a wonderful woman...I'm picturing her now in a bright red floral print dress, matching red lipstick and hearing a big laugh right now! God I loved that woman!
Pamela Morrow
November 19, 2020
She was awesome. I graduated from Miraleste in 1986 and had no idea she passed away until my father mentioned her today.
Denise Baldarrama
July 7, 2019
Ms. Strauss was my high school U.S. History teacher at Miraleste High School in 1983. She was an incredible and dynamic instructor! I know she kept the students very involved and excited. She was many's favorite! But for me she said something to me in the last few days of school that I have always remembered and has carried me thru life in many difficult times..She will always be a special person to me..Thank you Ms Strauss! Peace...
Thomas Jasperson
May 21, 2018
I am from the Class of "1986". I was so lucky to have had Ms Strauss as not only my teacher but a teacher that I have never forgotten about because she was my favorite teacher ever! This is coming from a guy that almost didn't graduate because he was more into fun times and going to parties. Ms Strauss made learning a pleasure and fun again. She brought something to the classroom that made it an amazing experience. I can still remember how excited I would get knowing that I was going to my next class, government. Not only was it my hardest class but because of Ms Strauss it was also my favorite class because of her, one of the warmest most caring teachers I had ever had! I was also lucky enough to travel to Europe with Ms Strauss, I mean I have memories that can never be taken away and as usual with Ms Strauss leading the Europe tour that I was lucky enough to attend, these are some of the Best memories of my life! Truly one of the kindest, sweetest, most caring, loving, funny, tough in a good way teachers I have ever had the blessing to be a student of. I am so saddened by finding out that she is no longer here with us. I was just listening to someone in congress talking about who his hero was in school and I immediately thought of Ms Strauss and started to do a google search for her and I was brought here. Ms Strauss you were like no other teacher I have ever met before, you were so special and brought so much into my life. You motivated me to become better and to want to do better. You will always be remembered by me and so many other students. I will miss you so much. Thomas Jasperson
Doris Turner
May 26, 2006
To Mr. Strauss,and family:
May God continue to bless your and the family during your time of bevereament.
13204 S. Spinning Ave.
Gardena, CA 90249
Jeff Klopmeyer
May 25, 2006
In reflecting back on my days at Miraleste High School (Class of '86), no teacher stands out more than Lee Strauss. Her Western Civilization class struck fear into the hearts of most students ("You think this is hard? Just wait until you get into Ms. Strauss' class!"), and I certainly found it challenging to say the least. But she had that magic quality as an educator to make information exciting and interesting, and the subject matter I learned from her stuck with me throughout the 20 years since I was her student. I wish I'd taken the opportunity to let her know how important she was, and how much I benefitted from her enthusiasm and natural gift for teaching.
Ann L. Steiner, DMD
May 15, 2006
Lee was my closest friend in grade school; even then she was full of humor, warmth and grace. It is not a surprise to me that she touched so many lives in such positive ways. Godspeed Lee.
Susan Bronaugh-Inclan '84
May 13, 2006
Mrs. Strauss was my favorite and most memorable teacher because she taught a challenging government class. She was tough when she had to be but in a caring and sensitive way. I always had a lot of respect for her and knew she was someone special. She made teaching an art form.
I am sorry to hear of her passing and know she will be missed.
Susan Lance (Cardot)
May 13, 2006
Thank you Mrs. Strauss for sharing your enthusiasm and love of history with us. I was in your history class at Miraleste in 1977. Your wonderful gift for teaching inspired me to go on to become a history major.
Kendra Mendez
May 12, 2006
Mrs. Strauss was truly an inspiration to everyone. Her ethics and intergrity can never be replaced. She was a tough woman but very fair. Her heart was ALWAYS for the children. She will truly be missed.
Love, Kendra Mendez
sandy cobb
May 12, 2006
Lee, Was the Greatest teacher and Friend She'll always be remembered by all of us!!! the Cobb's and Jerriann Cobb Fleming
Karen Vieweg Gonzales
May 11, 2006
Lee was one of the most inspirational teachers in my high school days.....and her support and encouragement when I became a teacher in the PVPUSD was more than amazing!
I will miss her in so many ways, but her thrill for learning and educating will live on!
She touched so many lives in so many positive ways!
Godspeed!
Karen Vieweg Gonzales
Jeanne Dixon (Phelps)
May 11, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of such an incredible educator. It is her love for history (and unbelievable slides from her travels) that inspired me to major in History in college. As a teacher myself, I try to emulate her dedication and passion. Thank you, Dr. Strauss, for inspiring so many lives.
Cissy Rubino
May 11, 2006
We rode horses together as kids in the sixties. You were a friend I never forgot. You will certainly be missed.
The Keeney's
May 10, 2006
Dr. Strauss lived a life filled with purpose, a life filled with success, and more importantly, a life filled with meaning. Her love for education was so evident and she made a lasting impression on all of us. She was a wonderful colleague and her strength and clarity gave us something to emulate. Dr. Strauss was a great mentor and always offered encouragement, advice, and support. She will be greatly missed! By the way Lee, Cameron is doing great, thank you for always asking about him.
Karin Sharafi
May 9, 2006
I was really fortunate to have had Dr. Strauss as my history teacher in high school (Miraleste, Class of '77). What an excellent educator; she put such an energetic spin on everything she taught. I learned much from her -- beyond the scope of American history.
She had an uncanny knack for motivating her students to actually WANT to study and persevere, and I have always considered her my favorite teacher.
Thank you, Dr. Strauss. I owe you so much, and will never forget you.
Doris Turner
May 8, 2006
I am so sorry to hear about the homegoing of Lee. Just reading about all of the wonderful things she accomplished in life really made me smile. To Mr. Strauss, Susan, and Steven, I worked for Mrs. Strauss when the kids were growing up. God Bless you Doris Turner.
Kellie Roughen (Jacobs)
May 8, 2006
I'll always remember her passion for learning at Miraleste High School. Even though I was alittle scared of any confrontation with her in class, I always felt that she truely cared about my education.
Bruce & Kim Canetti
May 8, 2006
We are saddened by the loss of a great woman, teacher and friend. She inspired us, she cared for us and Lord knows she protected us.
Suzette Freebairn
May 8, 2006
Lee was a very special friend that I thoroughly enjoyed knowing.....and what a marvelous teacher she was to my children at Miraleste H.S. Her sense of humor was absolutely delightful and I have a flood of wonderful memories during a year that we attended classes together with her mother. Please know that I share in your loss. We will all miss her!!
Christine Hollister M.D.
May 8, 2006
One of my unforgettble teachers from Miraleste High School. An excellent teacher, incredibly dedicated to her students. She taught a tough government class, but I probably worked the hardest in that class and learned the most because of it. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Teri Werner
May 7, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Lee's passing. I loved her very much, and she was a great friend. No one had the love and care that Lee had for every child on this earth. She was a great woman. I will miss her
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