Carole Applewhite Baggerly

Most cherished among the roles that filled her lifetime include wife, mother, teacher, researcher, and problem solver. First, foremost, and always, family - her husband, children, siblings, and parents - provided Carole with a sense of joy, purpose, and comfort, and the structure around which everything else was built.

Whether at home with her family, working with students, business partners, or scientists, particular themes for Carole revolved around a set of questions: What is the desired outcome? What are the steps we need to get there? What can we do now? Followed by appropriate action. In all her pursuits, Carole will be remembered as a person with a curiosity to learn, an enthusiasm to address the issues at hand, and a desire to make something happen today.

Born and raised in Texas, Carole attended Texas Christian University, where she earned her degree in Mathematics and Physics, and met her husband of 58 years, Leo Baggerly. As a young mother, Carole devoted her early career to Montessori education, where she could work and be with her children at the same time. As her children grew, she moved out of the classroom to take on data management in the manufacturing sector. In addition to the challenges of providing an organized structure to overcome inefficiencies in purchasing and supply, she also took on the challenges of earning respect and admiration for her ideas as a woman in a male dominated field - leaving no room for argument that she not only belonged at the table but also could take charge of the room.

After a successful career in data management, including running her own company, her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 2005 led Carole to blaze a new trail. As she learned that vitamin D deficiency was a key factor in the development of many breast and other cancers, Carole and her husband set off to learn what they could about vitamin D directly from the preeminent researchers across the US and Canada, and eventually around the world. Armed with knowledge that could benefit public health and save lives, she established GrassrootsHealth, a non-profit organization focused on moving research and knowledge from the scientific and academic realm to the public at large. Her actions helped to raise public awareness of vitamin D and had a positive impact on countless lives.

As years passed, she continued to draw inspiration from her life with her husband to become an advocate for healthy aging with information about grab-bars, rollators, seated exercises for the elderly, and the ongoing focus on vitamin D.

Throughout her life, she expanded her worldview through reading and travel, advocated for peace and non-violence, and found joy in music, artwork, and growing roses. Her positive spirit and passion for living a full and healthy life will be missed.

Carole leaves behind her children Keith (Sarah) Baggerly, Derek (Julia) Baggerly, and Christine (Ross) French, stepchildren Philip Baggerly, and Jennifer (Beth) Baggerly, and grandchildren Susanna, Thomas, Zoey, Alyssa, and Katelyn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of the following organizations Nature Collective (formerly San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy), PO Box 230634, Encinitas, CA 92023,

San Diego Rose Society, PO Box 86124, San Diego, CA 92138

Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza Street, Encinitas, CA 92024