Carole A. (Gaines) Rydberg

About Carole Rydberg

Rydberg, Carole A.(Gaines) of Plymouth, MN, died June 23, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was 86 years old.

Born Carole Ann Covell on June 3, 1938 in Detroit, MI, Carole was a life-long activist for many progressive causes including civil rights, women's equality, and environmental issues. Over the years, she marched with Mothers For Peace, represented social workers as a lobbyist in St. Paul, and was an active member of WAMM (Women Against Military Madness) from its inception. She also coordinated campaigns for DFL candidates, like her friend Paul Wellstone, and contributed passionate (and frequent!) editorials to the local press.

Carole strove, always, to make a difference. She succeeded, a thousand times over, in both her wider activism and by personally hosting people from all over the world, including refugees, and practically anyone who needed a place to stay.

Carole had four children with her first husband, Michael Gaines... and gained an extra five kids when she later married Roger A. Rydberg in 1974 (d. 2015). She helped raise several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and adored all of them.

Carole lived a remarkable and inspiring life. She will be greatly missed by her friends, her family, her boyfriend Doug, and everyone whose life she touched.

There will be a celebration of life starting at 11 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at First Unitarian Society, 900 Mt. Curve Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, Minnesota Public Radio, or the CJD Foundation.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

September 28, 2024

First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis 900 Mt Curve Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA