Lee Baber - our friend.

Lee Baber reflected all the things that make the Edtechtalk community a fantastic place to live and learn. She was fearless, forgiving and giving. She would spend hours trying to help people get to the places they wanted to go, go far beyond what could be expected of any friend or teacher, and do it all with a smile. She was our friend... and we'll miss her. Please share memories or thoughts of Lee on VoiceThread or by commenting below.

 

Lee's Webcast Academy Introduction
Discussing her life path on TTT#58

Remembering Lee Webcast
August 1, 2008
Lee on the ETT Family Reunion Show 
September 23, 2007

Lee's Obituary Donate

A few parts of  Lee's vast online legacy
 
About Lee  * Youthbridges * Musicbridge * Book of AudioP21 IslandBookmarks

 

 

 

Comments

I was profoundly affected today at the learning of Lee's fight with cancer and her passing away. Although our friendship was brief, as newbie here, I was touched by Lee's willingness to hold my hand all the way through Webcast Academy. "Just a sec, I will be right with you" no matter how busy she was. Calm - reassuring "Just take it slow" I know I won't forget that voice nor her modeling as a Webcaster professional.

I would like to express my thanks to Lee, for she was a generous and inspiring person, and extend condolences to all of her family and friends. We will miss her guidance and music, but her spirit will live on in all of us whose lives she touched.

Just got access to the Internet after a number of days without connection in the UK and I too am shocked and saddened to hear the news about Lee. She was such a kind and generous hearted soul - I will always remember her patience and help with a number of projects, especially during the EVO Podcasting session in 2006 and the webcast academy sessions - she always had time to help out and was truly a wonderful, innovative educator. I will miss her very much, but know that she will be remembered by so many of us and will continue to inspire.

Graham Stanley

While most of us never had the opportunity to meet Lee Baber in the traditional "face-to-face" sense, the loss to our community is as real as it gets. Lee and I may only have "met" in this virtual space, but the loss feels very real indeed!

This intro is so appropriate Lee. You taught me, you lead me - thank you. SpaceCast 3

I'm struggling to find words to express what I'm feeling now. There's more than little denial, as I come to terms with the fact that I've lost a friend. I echo JenM's sentiments in that friends made online are just as "real" (I might even argue potentially more so) as those made and maintained face-to-face. I know that there's nothing "virtual" about the feeling in my chest today....

As saddened as I am by her passing, and as much as I will, and do, miss Lee: I'm also very grateful for the media that she left behind, and the places and people she touched via the 'net. As an example, here's a photo posted by Alan Levine.

As Lee leads the way for the rest of us,,, I can't help but feel saddened by her passing. Lee was such an inspiration during last summer's WCA session. Even as a Windows user I ran across her more than a few times at the WCA Skype chat. As I struggled with uploading a Jing Screencast she patiently walked me through the steps and ended up hosting it herself. So, in a web 2.0 world, how do we define friendship? Lee was an integral part of our community and a friend to us all. The best I can do is to try to be a bit like her.... May God Bless You and your Family,.. Lee Baber our Friend. Jose Rodriguez; It's Elementary

I came into the Webcast Academy needing a great deal of assistance to make it through. I found that, regardless of the time of day or night, somehow Lee was always available with technical assistance. Through our many Skype calls, she taught me, with a kind, reassuring voice, that I could handle the technical aspects of webcasting. She was my rock throughout my internship and a support when I started webcasting. I will miss you, Lee. Thank you for being you.

I was very saddened to learn of Lee's passing. She was the epitome of what innovative, energetic, loving teachers (and learners) are all about. We were always proud and delighted to feature her on Global Learn Day. It hurts a lot that she will no long be with us. John Hibbs www.bfranklin.edu/johnhibbs

I never met Lee face to face but I've been following her in cyber space for ever in different communities. I loved her ability to pick up the banjo and play without pre-warning and deliver, keeping all listeners entranced. God bless. Moira

We had plans to play together online Lee - you on banjo and me on guitar. Sadly we've run out of time. Rest in peace.

When I first 'met' Lee, I remember her questions, and listening to her learn from Jeff and Dave, much like Lee helped the webcast academy interns whose comments can be seen on this post. Lee always reached out to me. She pulled me into her Spacecasts and into conversations with her students to stretch them, and me. She learned so quickly -- fearlessly and veraciously.

On many occasions, I said to other EdTechTalk community members, "We need to get Lee to New York." or "I'd love to meet Lee face to face." I'm sad that I won't be able to do that. I'm sad about the loss of an amazing woman.

Lee, I'll miss hearing you webcasting, but your legacy will live through the work we all do each day here at EdTechTalk.

I hope you are peaceful, and finding new things to learn and new people to teach where every you are. That's how I will always remember you.

Lee's work is truly inspirational. Her love for music is evident in all the projects that she did. Listening to her podcasts, her voice comes to life. She may no longer be with us, but her work will continue to inspire teachers around the globe. She's a webhead and will always will be. Her spirit lives on. Aiden

I was totally shocked when I heard about Lee passing away. She'll always be with us with her banjo echoing in our minds and her lovely smile always there. She's part of us and has added much to this community. Lee will always be remembered as a generous soul with music in her veins. Carla Arena in Brazil

I hope Lee's family knows the positive impact she had on multitudes of educators worldwide. That is the imprint we should all strive to make on this world before we leave. She set the bar high, so let's all try to live up to it. Thank you, Lee. Scott S. Floyd

I woke up this Saturday morning, and saw the Skype tab blinking. And now I learn that Lee Baber has passed away. This strikes me in sadness. I did not know Lee very long, but my link sharing at WCA attracted her attention and delight. As a start-up WCA intern, I was not aware of her innovative contributions and grand personality until she approached me to join P21. Shortly after this, she told me about her dawning health problems. I am very sorry and sad to learn that she has now passed away, as I had had a short Skype contact with her recently. A great loss indeed... James/Eurominuteman from Germany

Let us look forward and be the multipliers. This would make Lee smile. James

It was kind of shocked as I saw Lee's name instead of her sister Laurie on the skype list earlier today. I didn't know she had passed away until I followed Jeff 's twitter to here. I had never had a voice-to-voice chance talking with Lee on the same session, but I was feeling grateful that she stopped by when I started first webcasting. I was impressed by her kind and friendly request to be one of my buddies/friends on skype when I was in a need of someone to skype in at the moment. That was a loss that we had never had an actual conversation even just in this virtual world. I used to listen to/learn her tech guidence sharing on this community and her unique music. Lee was one of my favorite people from the Webcast Academy and Remembering Lee webcast brings my memories. Be peace! Jane Jiang in China

I sit here in a bit of shock. I feel I have lost a true friend. I see Lee's name on my Skype list, but I can't quite bring myself to realize, that that little "light" will not be on again. For many of us, Lee's "light" was a big beacon in the techno-dark that meant we would find safe harbor and answers to many questions, or assistance in times of need. It's just hard to imagine it extinguished. So instead, I have decided to look at my Skype list and imagine all the smaller "lights" that must have been lit by being near to Lee's. She influenced so many of us in so many ways. There are pieces of Lee's influence all over the net now. She was such a "sower of seeds". I think my fondest memory of Lee was working with her and her students, and a teacher in Nevada, who was reaching out to a young student who was ill and could only attend classes virtually. Hearing Lee through the voices of her students made realize just how much influence Lee had on the future. She touched soooo many young lives that will never forget her, and will likely always be influenced by her intelligent, whimsical, daring and caring personality. If there is a heaven...it has a new banjo player in the band tonight. elderbob

When I hear a banjo, where ever I am, I always think of Lee. The next thoughts that come to my mind are her passions and how she had students so engaged in their learning. They were willing to come on TTT at night and speak so eloquently with us about what they were doing in school and so insightful as to how that affected them. I think about Lee and her students as I travel up and down I-81 (which I do several times a year). She may not be here with us any more, but Lee has left her mark on many students and colleagues, both in world and on line. Donna Bragg Lehigh Valley, PA

Like so many others, I can vouch for Lee's generosity in sharing her time and expertise. She did her best to help me numerous times as I was trying to figure out how to handle webcasting on my Mac. From the first time that I read about Lee's many accomplishments, I was impressed with what she was doing. I never stopped being impressed. Lee had many roles, among them teacher, musician, artist, technologist, friend to many, and warm and vibrant human being. She is already greatly missed. My condolences to those whom she leaves behind. Dennis Oliver Phoenix, AZ

I am struck by Lee's passing. I have many memories of setting up chats between classrooms early on. I also appreciated Lee's generosity of time when I would try hosting a stream at several conferences, Lee was there contributing and supporting. My memories of her lead me to stop and look around and listen. These chaotic times and rushed projects always seem so ordinary. This hard news will cause me to stop, look and listen to Lee's body of work and the choices I have in carrying on. Jeff Flynn Ann Arbor, MI

Like everyone else in the world bridges community, I am saddened to hear of Lee's passing. While I was new to the World Bridges community this year, I was fortunate to work with Lee in the Webcastacademy class of 2.4 and in the Earthcast08/Earthbridges projects. I appreciated Lee's patience, expertise and willingness to help us learn the intricacies/idiosyncrasies associated with streaming technologies and methods from the Mac side of things. I equally appreciated Lee challenging all of us who were involved in the Earthcast08/Earthbridges projects to really push the envelope with what we were trying to accomplish. I was sad that Lee was not able to join us with the actual Earthcast08 project on Earth Day 2008, but I now know she was in the midst of her lung cancer diagnosis at the time of this event. Lee spoke of her illness and how she was using Internet resources to fight it during a Teachers Teaching Teachers episode this past spring. I was struck by her strength and courage as she shared her story. I just listened to Lee's Webcast Academy introduction and was reminded of her beautiful voice and what a webcasting pro she was. We'll miss you dearly, Lee.

Lee was so open...it was like she and I knew each other forever during our first conversations. She invited me into her Spacecast Academy which allowed me to introduce my students to a world beyond NH. It was great...I only wish our classes continued. I will miss her and just being able to Skype her for advice, info, or just plan conversation. My condolences to her family. She touched the world. Kathy Malsbenden

I've been to this page a few times and tried to make a comment that somehow made sense.

I spoke with Lee a couple weeks back -- she was going in for some tests the next day, and was firmly committed to the idea that she would beat this. She talked about the upcoming school year, and her plans/ideas for what she wanted to do. Lee will be missed for many reasons, but I will always remember her for her ability to look through the barriers and the obstacles and see the potential for good.

Thank you, Lee. You will be missed.

Bill Fitzgerald

There wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer or a job she wouldn’t tackle. Her energy always amazed me. Her dynamism embraced so many people; and guided so many of us on our journey of learning.
We spoke often about her love of the Outer Banks, North Carolina and of her time spent walking the beaches here.
My thoughts are with the family as they seek comfort during these sad times. I feel so fortunate that she touched my life. Her legacy will live forever.

Cathy Evanoff

Lee was
whispering to horses
always being so proud of students
loving banjo and all things audio
helping anyone and everyone without ever being asked

Thank you Lee - it will be hard to get used to you not being on our skype lists as available...

Susan, NYC

In a very small chapel in Argentina, we'll celebrate the Mass, tomorrow morning in her memory.
A hug and my love to her family and friends from Del Valle in Argentina.
Susana Canelo.

I liked Lee although I had never met her face-to-face. I followed her as she followed me on Twitter and other cyber places. I am going to miss her very much. It is a huge loss to the online learning community.

I am amazed at the outpouring of ideas and stories that we are all finding to celebrate Lee's life. I keep coming back to listen to more. Thanks to all who are adding to this collection.Cheryl Oakes
Here is the wordle I created from all the comments on this page.


Creative Commons from Wordle.net Click on the image to see the bigger version!
Collaborative Content Coach
Wells Ogunquit Schools
Wells, ME 04090
Women of Web 2.0

In all my travels from Glasgow to Beijing, I've never met someone who was so dedicated, so smart, and so wonderful as Lee. Kaj Rietberg and I have spent many wonderful hours working with Lee on podcasts. She has made our lives richer.

Lee was a rarely gifted technologist and teacher - I've never seen the like in her. God bless you, Lee!

James

James Stanger
[email protected]

I was shocked to learn yesterday that Lee Ann had passed. She was my banjo teacher, and I have known her since 2000. At age 40, I decided it was time to take up the banjo and she gave me a start I never would have had otherwise. I had been trying to get in touch with her over the past weeks; I had no idea she was that ill.

It just proves that you can never take anyone for granted.

What a loss. Her ability as a mentor and teacher will never be equalled.

My condolances go out to Calvin and the rest of her family.

Dr. Robert Hoffman
[email protected]

Although I only knew you through our Virtual Reality on Second Life, TTT, and a wonderful relationship with a long distance collaboration between classes, the news of your death shattered my Real Life. With your passing, your beliefs in the potential of Web 2.0 and SL strengthen and grow. My tears for your loss strike the deepest emotions in RL and although I never met you in person, your SL image and our wonderful dreams of education and professional development in SL will forever be etched in my soul. Thanks for the inspiration. I miss you already.

Woody Woodgate (RL)
Bubba Jiagu (SL)

When I think of my life's happiest moments I think of things like the day I got married, the time I conducted excerpts from Handel's "Messiah" in Afghanistan with a volunteer choir of military personnel along with members of the 10th Mountain Division Band, and just about any time I ever got on a stage with Lee Ann Baber.
I met Lee Ann at Penn State 30 years ago when I was a journalism student who really wanted to be a guitarist. The student paper, The Daily Collegian, assigned me to review an Earl Scruggs concert for which her band, The Buffalo Chipkickers, opened the show. The 2,595 seat hall was practically sold out, and the Chipkickers just lit the place up. And, with all due respect to the other three band members, I thought Lee Ann laid the foundation for the band's sound with her steady, sparkling and energetic banjo playing. I was awed by her talent, her professionalism, and the fact that she was just about the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid eyes on. Soon after that concert our paths began to cross rather unexpectedly, and I was stunned to learn that she was, like... really nice! She didn't just jam with me at parties. She actually got on stage with me for practically no pay, many times, and just played her heart out. She had the most electrifying presence of anybody I ever performed with. I'd played many times at the same places without her, and yet the times when she was there on stage with us you wouldn't believe we were playing for the same people. People of all ages and races went crazy over us when she was with us. Without her, you could almost hear a pin drop by comparison. With her sharp mind, work ethic, talent, energy, and what could arguably be The World's Most Endearing Smile, Lee Ann had a way of making a simple three-chord bluegrass standard an event you never forgot. She had a way of enabling one to experience love like never before. When she was on the stage, love just flowed with a good strong current between the musicians and the audience.
Whether I was trying to break into the music business, teach high school, or be a webmaster for a newspaper, Lee Ann had already been there and done that. Always a few steps ahead of me, she was there for me as a mentor every step of the way, always encouraging, charming, broad-minded, imaginative, and yet always deadly serious. I can't think of anything in life she ever took lightly.
And she found more ways to impact my life than either of us thought possible. Just one example: She wanted to introduce the song "Limehouse Blues" to the Chipkickers in '79 back when I was taking jazz lessons from a Washington, D.C. based guitarist named Danny Gatton. I told her I'd ask Danny about it at my next lesson. With a tape machine running he and I recorded what remains to this day the hottest guitar recording I've ever done. A few years ago, about 10 years after his death, Rolling Stone magazine listed what it considered the 100 best guitarists of all time, and Danny was on that list. (Around 77th)
Lee Ann just had a way of making good things happen. Today my heart is feeling the enormous weight of her loss that seems to get heavier and sadder by the minute as the painful reality keeps setting in. In time, however, I'll return to being that much happier person I became for having known and experienced Lee Ann, one of the most truly wonderful people I've ever known.

--Steve Lester
[email protected]

Laurie, Leigh, and family of Lee Baber,

Laurie and Leigh, years ago we got to know you when you lived on Sunflower Court in Illinois. We had many fond memories and can tell many great stories. I met Lee when she was up to visit you on Sunflower Court. Laurie you are a special person and a wonderful woman. Lee was happy to have you as a sister. Leigh W. I am sure Lee enjoyed your banjo playing and many computer skills. I remember visiting Florida this June and having the 'Millie cam' on and hooked up so that Lee could see Millie and the gang. Laurie thanks for sharing the stories of your sister.

The Wrzesnski Clan (Terry, Gary, Samantha, and Seth) send their deepest sympathy. We are saddened for your loss.

The comments below are from the Webheads main Yahoo Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evonline2002_webheads/message/19600

----------------------------------------------------------
 It feels like we've lost a member of the family. And I guess we have.
Rest in peace Lee. We had plans to play music together online but now
I'll just listen to your banjo and imagine how it may have been. :-(
-  Michael

Very sad news indeed. I didn't know Lee very well, only from the
Earthbridges community. I had the opportunity to listen to her only a few
times during some of the Skype conferences we had. My sincere condolences to
the family.
The memorial blog that Jeff put together is an excellent idea.
Joao Alves

 
Jeff's sad news was just that --- very, very sad. There are some
lovely remarks at edtecktalk -- worthy or slow, careful reading.
What's also worthy of time and reflection is that one of the busiest
guys on the planet -- Jeff Lebow - found time to put up the memorial
blog. Like Lee, Jeff is an inspiration as well. Thank you Jeff.
John Hibbs

 
You're right Michael. Oh, this is sooo sad. When I received your email, and just
looking at the title, I had that gut feeling that this is going to be a sad
news. But I was hoping that it wouldn't be because how could it be- she looks
(seems odd to talk to her in the past tense) young and healthy in all the
webshots that we've got. and the music- yes, we've got lots. Michael- the
troubadour, Jane- drummer, and Lee- a music genius. In her projects, one could
feel her love for music. Just look at her podcasts. Her work will continue to
inspire me- and I hope others as well.
Aiden


 
If there is a heaven,...tonight it has a new banjo picker.  There will also
soon be webcasting from "that better place".
This is shocking news to me as well.  I worked with Lee earlier this year
and she never let on the seriousness of her illness, preferring instead to
help others.  And  helping others was Lee's main goal in life.  She was an
ultra-talented person and there are but a few of us here, who were not
touched by her in some way.  But the one's that will suffer the most from
her absence will be her future students....all the kids that will never get
to feel Lee's loving, educational touch.
It's times like these that I try to tell people to gather those living
around them, together, to let them know how much you care about them,
because you never know when the time will come that those you care about
will not be around.  Let your friends and family know how deeply you
appreciate them today....I think Lee would want it that way.
Good bye, Lee
elderbob


 
Dear Elderbob:
you're absolutely right.
I pray for her soul , she doesn't need my prays anyway. And I pray for her
family and close friends.
We feel like somebody of our family has left. I'll tell my family how much I
care, they know that,but I'm need to make it sure.
A hug from Argentina
Susana

 
Elderbob,
Your words brought tears to my eyes!
I have seen Lee's name, photos, and soul, in many webheads' platforms. I hope
that she died peacefully and I wish her  family strength to come over these
moments.The death of  ones you know, no matter how strong one is, presents many
challenges for us to face.
  The death of a webhead indeed brings sadness to the whole webheads family.
"The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; Blessed by the Name
of the Lord."
Hala



Hello all from Seoul,
Saddened to hear of the death of a most excellent webhead and
worldbridger.
Paul Allison reports that there is a memorial here:
http://edtechtalk.com/comment/reply/3242
And that they'll be remembering Lee on this weeks Teachers Teaching
Teachers. 9:00pm Eastern / 6:00pm Pacific USA Wednesday / 01:00 UTC
Thursday
I'll be in Fukuoka tomorrow evening.
Love to all the community, where each person is integral and valued
Vance
 
 
Folks,
I had been volunteering my Second Life skills for Lee on a project for the
past seven months or so and she was always upbeat about her illness and
carried on producing great stuff with me during that period. Occasionally
she would disappear for a few days, but she always bounced back and got on
with things. Sad to say I was away on holiday when she finally succumbed to
the illness, but I will have fond memories of her humour, resilience and
creativity and a little regret that we now won't get to finish a project she
had thrown herself in to.
Gavin

 
I have just come back from a prolonged weekend in the countryside and was
shocked at this very sad and unexpected loss. Lee and I collaborated,
supported and scaffolded each other  on Skype on many occasions both with
the kids or when  setting up and exploring learning environments.  She
shared with her friends her enthusiasm, her creativity and musical talent,
like when she played the banjo from Second Life straight into the conference
room at the end of the keynote in New Orleans (has anyone got the SL
screenshots on Flickr?) or when leading this year's EVO session.
I will miss her dearly but know and am happy that her suffering is over. We
will all remember her and she will continue inspiring all those who were
lucky to meet her and work with her. May she rest in peace.
Warm regards from Brazil,
Bee
 
 
Just got access to the Internet after a number of days without connection in
the UK and I too am shocked and saddened to hear the news about Lee. She was
such a kind and generous hearted soul - I will always remember her patience
and help with a number of projects, especially during the EVO Podcasting
session in 2006 and the webcast academy sessions - she always had time to
help out and was truly a wonderful, innovative educator. I will miss her
very much, but know that she will be remembered by so many of us and will
continue to inspire.
Graham


Dear all,
Being behind on my correspondence, as usual, I didn't find the time to
say until now how sorry and shocked I was to hear of Lee's passing
away.  I had met Lee thru the EVO sessions, and found her to be a true
Webhead in spirit: generous with her time and knowledge, patient and
kind, and lots of fun.  But she was so energetic and full of life that
I never would have guessed she was ill!  My heart goes out to her
family and to those of you who were close to her.
Following what Elderbob said about letting your family and dear ones
know how much you love them, I also felt I would like to tell you all
(as my virtual family!) how much I love you all!  It is due to you that
I am at WorldCALL 2008 in Japan today, and I can't tell you how much it
means to me.  So thanks again all!
Love and health to you all,
Susan Marandi @>---;-
Iranian Webhead


Dear Jeff,
Though very sad news, thanks for letting us know. Our extended Webhead
family is very saddened and smaller today. May Lee rest in peace and,
wherever she is, continue to see what the Webheads do throughout the world,
starting with the World CALL Conference in Japan in the next few days.
Hugs all,    Teresa

 
I'm shocked, saddened, dumbfounded...I had no idea Lee was battling
cancer. She was a vibrant webhead and such an enthusastic musician.
Ironically, I was listening to the Anthropology of YouTube when I
scrolled down to Jeff's message, and then to so many more messages as
people have written in their condolences. I'm thankful to be part of a
network that can put me in touch with such fabulous people, and so
sorry to lose any part of that network.
Jane



 From Candance 's posting I learned the passing away of Lee Baber. I have
followed 'evonline2002' for years and Lee's name is familiar to me.Her passing?
is a great loss to the webhead community and a loss to all the e-teachers in the
world.
My condolence goes to Lee's family.
Yaodong


             Since I have been out of touch with involvement with the Webheads
for a long time I really didn't know Lee Baber but just reading everyone's
posted messages shows me what a truly selfless, caring and gifted?person she
was. I wish I had personally had exchanges with her and gotten to know her. I
warms my heart to see all the people who knew her collect together and create a
memorial in her honor.? This show me how much of a loving family the Webheads
really are even though people are spread out all over the world and most have
not met face to face. I think Michael Wesch, the anthropologist who made the 55
min. video everyone is talking about, would have to agree that true bonding can
take place on the Internet with special people. The Webheads have proven this
and I believe all of you are truly great people in all ways.
My prayers for peace and comfort go out for Lee's family.
Candace Pauchnick

Lee Baber was a beautiful soul. She was one of the most self-sacrificing individuals I have encountered and I will recall with great fondness the many conversations we shared about our students, our studies and our mutual interests. She helped me many times to sort out technical difficulties - always with great patience.

It was with great sadness that I heard of Lee's passing when I was in Kenya working with educators. I spent that day at a school in Maasai Land helping the teachers and students plant trees.

An acacia tree was planted that afternoon in Lee's memory. This was a very special Maasai school where much was being done to promote environmental issues and education for young girls. I know Lee would approve.

Rest in peace, gentle, beautiful soul

Sharon Peters