Carol Elaine Hillestad
She always said she wouldn’t change her last name Hillestad because she always wanted to honor her Norwegian heritage. Some people, including herself, considered Carol a “Crazy Norwegian.” In fact, during a job interview when requested, “Tell me about yourself,” after a pause, she replied, “Well I’m Norwegian.” Carol thought that summed up her life in spite of all her accomplishments.
Carol was graduated from Lodi High School (1971), University of Wisconsin – Green Bay (Cum Laude) (1976) and University of California, Master of Arts in Architecture and Urban Planning (1980). She also attended International Summer School (Oslo, Norway) and studied abroad at the University of Oslo (1974-75).
Carol’s career took her to many cities – Green Bay, Santa Monica, Minneapolis, Seattle and San Diego. She always enjoyed research – public policy research at the Rand Corporation, urban infrastructure research, economic and real estate research. She was director of research for many organizations.
Carol loved to travel. She traveled much of Europe and, of course, Norway. She visited Norway and her many Norwegian friends at least 15 times. Carol also enjoyed art, especially rosemaling. She dabbled a bit in various art forms creating many many beautiful pieces that she loved sharing.
Carol requested there be no memorial services but left this message for friends: “Celebrate with a shot of Norwegian Linie aquavit!! Skål! ”
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Deepest
sympathy to Lee and Kathy and their families.
Awwwwwww she was so much fun when we worked together at Burnham. She was so good at organizing our research department and producing reports in a crazy environment. I’m so sad to hear about her leaving us. She loved her Loki and now both hearts will be together again beating as one.
I will miss Carol’s beautiful E-cards she would send me. And her love of family!
My deepest respekt and condolances to all of Carols Family and friends. I am happy to have known Carol❤️ It started i 1979, we met at Ucla, lives nextdoor or close by. Very nice memories♥️
Carol also came and visited me/us in Norway, both in Stavanger, and last time up in Stokmarknes, Northern Norway. We loved her. Peace to the memories of her.
Love, Kate and Imed
So sad to hear about Carol`s passing. She was a friend of ours from her days at the Summer school in Oslo. We enjoyed parties together in the International Association for students at Oslo University. We let her stay in our Oslo apartement when she dated Carl Ivar Tronstad. We also visited her in San Diego and had great experiences there. Every time she came back to Norway, we had good reunions. Carol was a colorful butterfly with many colors. I will keep many good memories of our friendship.
My name is Thor Christiansen.
Skål to Carol! We were friends for many years, many visits and good times. We will miss you! The Per Johnsen family.