Carol was an amazing human being.  She was an inspiration to our daughter and so many other kids.  She will always be remembered by our family.

Carol was one of the most creative, talented, inspirational teachers my children ever had. A true gift to our community. She was a wonderful person with so much to give. She will live in our hearts and minds always.

Carol taught at our children's school and was our neighbor.  For years, we would see her at 6.30am with her dog at Emerson going for their walk before school and I valued her advice on educating our kids and how to approach public education.  Our daughter was fortunate enough to be cast in a Birdsall/ Shakespeare production and it definitely made an impact.  I am so sorry to hear this.  

Ms. Birdsall, you will always be in our hearts and our minds.  The time that our daughter had with you in fourth grade still resonates with her every time she picks up a book, writes a paper or a poem, or writes by long-hand.  You gave us a gift that will live on in these everyday acts, forever.

Ms Birdsall, a wonderful person, a true creative,  passionate, inspiring, much loved by her students. You will be remember by all those who lives you have touched. You will be sadly missed by us all but never forgotten.  Rest In Peace dear Ms Birdsall.

I remember when Carol approached the Community Education program, to offer theatre experiences and Shakespeare to young children after school. Was this too ambitious? No. Carol had such a following, with admirers in classrooms beyond the fortunate group that met with her each day, that her new program was an immediate success. Carol was such a gracious and giving educator.

I remember when Carol approached the Community Education program, to offer theatre experiences and Shakespeare to young children after school. Was this too ambitious? No. Carol had such a following, with admirers in classrooms beyond the fortunate group that met with her each day, that her new program was an immediate success. Carol was such a gracious and giving educator.

Amongst my blurred memories of elementary school, I remember Ms Birdsall’s class clear as day, and though it’s been 12 years my friends and I still reminisce about our MacBeth production and our countless memories of her from class. She was a passionate, fun, kind, uniquely creative teacher. Rest In Peace Ms Birdsall, you will live in the hearts of your former students forever.

Tribute-Ina WIlhelm-Carol and I were colleagues at The Alcott School for many years. I greatly admired Carol’s intelligence, creativity and teaching strategies. Her desk was always piled high with materials. I regret not knowing of her struggle for I and many others would have been there for her.
Ina WIlhelm- CPS teacher ‘71-04

Ms. Birdsall was my favorite teacher. She was kind, funny, and talented. She taught us to read, to act, and to follow our own creative instincts. She will be dearly missed.

Beulah Odunze - I was a student in Ms. Birdsall's class when I was in 4th grade, 3 years ago. She was one of the greatest teachers I've ever had. She was also so sweet, and never minded answering questions. We wrote a lot in class, and she was always so encouraging and helpful. We always had so much fun. I can't believe this happened, and I won't forget her. Ever. Thank you, Ms. Birdsall.

I grew up in New London with Carol, Hugh and Meredith. Carol was always kind and friendly and I will always remember her and her violin.

Ms. Birdsall left an indelible mark on the students that were fortunate enough to have her as a teacher.  Her legacy lives on through them.  You will be missed.

My son had the good fortune to be in Ms. Birdsall's class her last year at Alcott.  She inspired and challenged him in so many ways.  His love of reading and geography blossomed under her guidance.  Our family will never forget her many lessons. May she rest in peace.

I remember when we found out our son would be in "Miss Birdsall"'s class. We had homeschooled him for a year after moving to Concord. We could not have hoped for a better experience for our son. Miss Birdsall championed his imagination and his interest in writing. She was a very special, unusual, creative, insightful, inspiring teacher. Thank you, Miss Birdsall!

I'm so sad to hear about the communal loss of my (probably many people's) favorite teacher. I didn’t know many of her accomplishments listed but they don’t surprise me at all, or her generosity with them. One of my favorite memories of her is when I forgot my line in the Shakespeare play - and she managed to remind me wordlessly offstage with such grace. I will remember her with much love.

Ms Birdsall inspired Conmunity & children. Decades we chatted on “commute” to Alcott, to garden, to library, biking to her daily Walden swim. I saw her kids’ Shakespeare the same week as HS & an NYC theatre: her play the more sophisticated. As an educator of grad students, I’ve found 5th grade the last chance for good education. MsBirdsall dared push that limit to 4th; her impact continues

I had Ms. Birdsall for 5th grade 30 years ago and I immediately recognized her name today. I was new to Concord in the middle of 4th grade and she made my first full year of school there memorable and fun. I remember writing poems for our 5th grade yearbook and overall having a great year. Thank you, Ms. Birdsall. You will be missed.

I am sorry to hear the sad news.  She was an inspiration to my son, who was in her 4th grade class.   One memory in particular is their performance of Macbeth -  I was initially skeptical that 4th graders could appreciate let alone perform Shakespeare,  but she proved that it can be done, and I think it left a lasting impression on my son and many other students. RIP.

My brother and I both had the chance to be in Ms.Birdsall's 4th grade class. I was always impressed by her ability to get a group of fourth graders to perform a Shakespearean play. After graduating college this year, I've realized that there are very few teachers that have such a major impact on your life, and Ms.Birdsall was one of them. Thank you Ms.Birdsall, you will be missed.

Two of my children were fortunate enough to have had Ms. Birdsall as their fourth grade teacher. She had an engaging personality and lots of interesting ideas. I also had the opportunity to play in pit orchestras with Carol and admired her musical ability and spirit. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Carol was one of the most inspiring educators with whom I have EVER worked. Her Shakespearean plays engaged all her students by creating roles for every ability. She made me better. I supported her classroom for Special Ed and she had a remarkable ability to reach everyone. I was in awe of her gifts as well as her total commitment to excellence in education.One of the very best! RIP Carol!

I first met Carol when I was a junior in high school. We both studied the violin with Broadus Erle. Carol, a senior, was so cool: stylish and confident. Later, at Harvard, I briefly took violin lessons from her. I will think of her as I saw away with my bow. I also sang in UChoir with her sister, Meredith. Such talented sisters. My heart goes out to Carol’s family. (Maiden name: Allard)

Carol was a fabulous teacher to my daughter.  My daughter was very impacted by her and I’m glad I told Carol that years later. My daughter was lucky enough to be in Carol’s Shakespeare plays both in 4th grade and in 5th grade.
What an enormous loss.

Carol developed the theatrical talents of countless young people.  Each year the Alcott students brought something unique to my middle school drama classes - an experience with Shakespeare.  They would often share their stories with pride.  It was a rare experience she provided for them.   I salute her spirit.  She blessed us. May she be blessed on her soul journey.

Carol was a wonderful singer and always fun to sing with.  Whether it was Gilbert & Sullivan or The Christmas Oratorio, she was always accurate, conscientious, enthusiastic, prepared, and extraordinarily musical.  I thought of her today when listening to the Christmas Oratorio, remembering singing this wonderful piece right next to her.  Our group will miss her terribly.