Farewell to a beloved Midrand musician
MIDRAND – Dr Carol Baron lived in Midrand for 18 years and shared her love of music with the community.
Dr Carol Baron, a renowned musician who lived in Noordwyk for more than 18 years, passed away at 81 years old.
Baron’s son Darren said, “With much sorrow, we announce the untimely passing of Dr Caroline Thompson Baron, who passed away in Harare, Zimbabwe, on June 12 after complications relating to Covid-19, pneumonia, and emphysema.
“Carol, an internationally renowned concert pianist, was born on May 31, 1940, in Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia (now known as Zambia). She is survived by her three children, Gary, Kimberley, Darren, and her 10 beloved grandchildren, Jade, Zenia, Joshua, Stefano, Hannah, Chloe, Aaron, Bianca, Matthew, and Zoe. Beyond her immediate family is an extensive wider family and dear friends with whom she maintained lifelong relationships.
“As a highly respected musician and performer and being the family matriarch, Carol lived a remarkable life, travelling extensively, making lifelong friends along the way. As a testament to her life-long contribution to music. Always a lady, devoted wife, caring mother, granny, friend, confidante, unifier – Carol’s charming manner and positive presence will be greatly missed.”
Her friend Kathleen Woods added, “She was a child prodigy and a gifted musician of piano and violin and an opera singer. After schooling in Johannesburg, she spent a career in the international arena in Harare, Russia, China and the United States. After retiring from the stage, she mentored many students from her home in Midrand and was able to continue through the pandemic via the internet. She gave back generously to music through mentoring students. She was particularly proud of many students from Soweto whom she coached pro bono.”
Due to Covid restrictions, no viewing or funeral will take place. Instead, there will be an online memorial service on Zoom to celebrate Carol’s life on July 10. For joining instructions, please email africaad@gmail.com. At Carol’s request, her final resting place will be with her late husband, Bernard, whom she loved dearly.
