Obituary of Carolyn Hambidge

On July 10, Carolyn Hambidge died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 87. She was born in Weymouth, Dorset, England to Mildred Daphne Eadie Bates and Frederick Stanley Bates. She was a young child during World War II and developed the resiliency and character that empowered her to encourage others to appreciate the wonders of life.

After the war, Carolyn boarded weekly at Ecole Marie Souvestre in London. As “Head Girl” she sat at the same desk as Eleanor Roosevelt had when she attended this “delightful and progressive” school. After finishing school, she fell in love with jazz and dance during a year in France. She then enrolled at the Froebel Institute at London University where she discovered the importance of play in early childhood education, a philosophy that she would foster for the rest of her life. During this time she learned to paint, which became a great joy in her life.

Carolyn met Michael Hambidge at church in Leatherhead, Surrey, England and were married on September 24, 1960. They shared a strong love for each other and for making the world a better place. Their passion for changing the world took them all over the globe where Michael worked to improve the healthcare and well-being of children and mothers. One of the places they cherished most was the southwest coast of England, where they spent summers throughout their lives together. Carolyn and Michael moved to Denver, Colorado in 1966 where Michael had accepted a year’s fellowship. They never left and started their family of four children.

In 1967, Carolyn met Bea Romer across the fence at Montview Community Preschool. They shared a vision about the importance of creativity and joy in early childhood education and together founded a remarkable educational community in Colorado. Carolyn founded and led the British Primary school for decades, starting as a model classroom in 1969 at Montview Preschool, expanding to become Stanley BPS at 1301 Quebec St. in 1984, and ultimately expanding to the old Lowry Air Force Base Officer’s Club in 1995. She was head of school for 35 years; she educated generations of children and their parents, and mentored hundreds of teachers who themselves have influenced the lives of many more.

Carolyn first and foremost delighted in the magic of childhood and would always take genuine interest in whatever a child was doing, getting on the ground with them and engaging them in the most playful way. She helped students, teachers and even parents see their gifts and inspired them to be the best version of themselves as they navigate life’s inevitable challenges. Her belief in others before they believed in themselves helped instill confidence and nurtured growth that may have otherwise never developed. Carolyn had a knack for bringing people together and inspired them to bring their strengths to the community, to volunteer to set up classrooms and support the school in its growth and journey every year however they could. 

She also advanced an exceptional teacher preparation program, forming partnerships with both public and independent schools. Carolyn understood the central importance of the classroom teacher in education, making teacher education an integral component of the school’s mission. Carolyn’s love for her students was seen through the compassion and care that she selflessly devoted to nurturing lifelong bonds with each of her many students throughout the years.

Carolyn’s family was incredibly important to her. The home she shared with Michael at Elm Street became a frequent gathering place for neighborhood friends of all ages. She and Michael helped organize and coach some of the first youth soccer teams in Denver for both boys and girls. In 1982, Carolyn and Michael bought an old farmhouse in the New Forest, England called the Little White House. It became a beloved summer gathering place for family, friends, and Stanley school children. Carolyn made the Little White House a home centered on community and love. Her wonderful English sense of humor brought joy and laughter to all the children in her life.

Carolyn loved swimming in the ocean, reading, and being in the sun. What we remember most is the warmth and openheartedness with which she met everyone; the lilt of her voice that welcomed and captivated everyone; the brightness of her spirit reflected in her bright blue eyes; and her graceful presence. She created beauty in her world; her sweet nature and her ability to connect deeply with people, her love for nature and capacity to be still and soak in the beauty surrounding her - be it her family or the green pasture behind the Little White House - these are part of the legacy she leaves.

She is preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters Pam and Anne, and by her husband Michael. She is survived by her children Simon (Elizabeth Bayliss), Joanna, Pippa (David Mellman), and Jon (Heidi Hambidge); as well as her nine grandchildren: Timothy, Peter, Andrew, Jonathan James (JJ), Anna, Emma, Kate, Jack, and Erin.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, October 19, at 1:30 PM at the gymnasium at the Stanley British Primary School, and at the Boldre Church in England at a later date. 

The Hambidge family invites you to make a contribution to Stanley British Primary School in Carolyn’s memory to support financial aid and scholarships.