Carol Bishop

Bishop, Carol Jean, died peacefully under fair skies just before sunrise on August 20th.

Preceded in death by her loving parents Leverett "Bob" and Martha Bishop, her beloved husband Robert "Bob" Kuhn, and her precious dogs Bailey and Casey. Survived by her adoring step-daughter Rochelle Gunn (Jim Mayer); siblings Steve (Judy) Bishop and Marthy (Ron) Smoliak; niece Jessica (Fred) Sutherland and nephews Jonathan Bishop; Brian (Sarah), Kevan, and Jason (Jaclyn) Smoliak; and special cousin Anna Hersey. She is also survived by her canine companions Dixie and Taliesin.

Carol was a joyful woman of expansive heart, profound strength, and steadfast presence. Her innate tenderness toward all creation was refined by lifelong caregiving and tested by illness and loss. Her tenacity revealed itself not just in enduring personal trials, but in her fierce commitment to defending, advocating, and caring for those who needed support. Her extraordinary ability to make lasting connections meant that her 'family' continued to grow throughout her life, encompassing everyone from her extended family and grade school friends to neighbors and colleagues who became trusted confidants.

After growing up in St. Therese parish and school in Deephaven, Carol graduated from Minnetonka High School, and continued her education at the College of Saint Benedict, Hamline University, and Saint John's School of Theology. She began her career with organizations focused on serving older people. Later she combined her faith and work with a shift to parish administration, and found a final role as Executive Director of The Catholic Cemeteries, supporting individuals and families in their time of loss.

Carol demonstrated love of God and love of neighbor in the way she lived, exemplified through her commitment to Benedictine values among the oblates of Saint John's Abbey. She had room in her life for everyone, creating a cozy sense of home where each person felt not just welcomed but truly seen, heard, and respected. Carol's kitchen was the heart of her home; delicious scones, nourishing meals, and unexpected desserts were all crafted there as reflections of her love and shared generously together with lively table talk. She brought that same spirit of community and fun to concerts, theater, and travels that took her across the United States and around the world.

Whether yakking on the phone or composing a text message, post, email, or letter, Carol had a way of seeing clearly and expressing herself beautifully with words. Into her conversations and correspondence she wove stories, hard-won wisdom, her special humor, and yes, sometimes tough love. Yet for all the words, she also appreciated silences and solitude, especially in nature and spiritual retreat. Paddling across a lake, hiking on a mountainside, or listening to a campfire crackle, Carol felt her spirit renewed and her heart at ease with life's mystery. By knowing Carol we knew peace, and we are grateful for that gift. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation from 5-6:00 p.m. with Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 17th, at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN. Live stream provided by paxchristi.com. Funeral Mass Friday, November 14th, 10:00 a.m. at Saint John's Abbey Church, 2900 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville, MN. In lieu of flowers or memorials, extend your love and gratitude for Carol through kindness and care for places, people, and other living things.