In Memory of Kandie Starr
1972-2021
Passionately gave her voice to those who didn’t yet have their own.
Clackamas Community College mourns the loss of alum and employee, Kandie Starr, who passed away on Sunday, July 11.
Kandie was known for her holistic commitment to the student experience and a laugh that could be heard throughout the community center – which always put a smile on your face. She had an eagerness to learn and understand why change was happening and then help that change move forward with her community. Her passion and commitment to inclusivity were evident throughout her career, and she was instrumental in establishing the first Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at CCC. She obtained her associate’s degree at CCC and her bachelor’s degree from Marylhurst University, both while working full-time at CCC. She also played on the CCC co-ed recreational softball team.
Kandie poured her heart into Clackamas Community College to make it a better place for all of us and most importantly students. During her 20 plus years at CCC, she worked in Enrollment Services, Graduation Services, and for the last 5 years as an Academic Advisor, which was her dream job. She was also the co-chair of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Her passion was unbounded, giving 100% effort in everything she did, whether it was on a committee, project, advising and guiding a student, or diving for a ground ball on the softball field to make sure the out was recorded.
Kandie often spoke with her wife, Paula, about her work on the DEI committee. It was important to Kandie for CCC to set an example in the community that inclusion matters and all should feel welcome to provide and receive higher education. She believed in the initiatives the college has been making for professional development in order to sustain diverse employees and students who represent the college’s district.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, friends and family please donate to DEI efforts at CCC. You may donate below, and include a thought or sentiment about Kandie to be posted on this page. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to meet the naming requirements for a seat wall tribute at the newly constructed Wacheno Welcome Center, an extension of the Community Center she called home at CCC.
Cash/Check donations can also be made in memory of Kandie and can be paid to the attention of the CCC Foundation with “Kandie Starr Memorial” in the memo. Donations can be mailed to CCC Foundation, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, OR 97045
For information on how to donate in memory of Kandie, please contact Sara Dier at sara.dier@clackamas.edu or 503-594-3421.
Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with her family, coworkers and friends.
Here are just a few examples of Kandie’s legacy in our community:
“I first met Kandie almost 15 years ago when she volunteered as an usher for a theatre show at CCC. She had a quick wit and dry humor and I liked her right away. Through the years she has been friendly and kind to all she interacts with. My daughter, Molly was having a lot of anxiety when she was going to start at CCC. I reached out to Kandie and she of course was happy to chat with Molly. She was supportive, and positive and gave Molly confidence that carried her through her first year. We are forever grateful to her. Kandie has been the calm in so many young people’s storms, and their parents! She was patient, kind-hearted and incredibly generous with her time and skills. I will miss her very much and although our hearts are breaking, the memories of who she was and all she gave will live on in our minds. “
“The pandemic was a blessing in disguise to Kandie. She was able to meet with students much more easily and frequently. Just last week she shared with me how much more effective she was able to be with students meeting with them over Zoom.”
“Kandie was an amazing friend to so many at Clackamas Community College. She loved working with students to guide them through their college experience. Kandie was a kind and caring human being and her smile and laugh will be missed.”
“Kandie was an amazing CCC employee. She loved working at the college. Kandie shined the brightest when she advised students. Her spirit will continue to twinkle as we assist our students in achieving their goals.”
“Kandie was instrumental in guiding my daughter through her degree requirements. When we saw each other at graduation this year she had the widest smile and gave me the biggest hug. The warmth she exuded was overwhelming. Kandie was reserved but still waters run deep and she cared deeply about her students and her co-workers.”
Those who have given in remembrance of Kandie:
Ivan Acosta
Sara Alexander
The Aldridge Family - "Kandie touched our family with grace, compassion and kindness. We will never forget the light she shined upon us. I know that she would want us to never let her light go out. Let’s take the torch and carry it on. My deepest condolences."
J Anderson - "Kandie will always be remembered at CCC for her infectious smile and her commitment to students."
Jennifer Anderson - "Kandie's engagement, advocacy, and commitment to CCC students and colleagues made a positive impact on us all. She will be greatly missed."
Diane Angelo
Anonymous Donors
Anonymous - "I’ve had several students tell me how vital Kandie was to their success - that they could open up to her and that she listened and empathized. She was such an important part of our CCC family and will be so dearly missed."
Anonymous - "Kandie was an authentic and welcoming colleague and friend. An inspiration to all of us at CCC. She will be greatly missed."
Bill Balicki
Denice Bailey
Dustin Bare - "You'll be forever missed, Kandie"
Terri and Jim Bekken
Irma Bjerre - "I enjoyed so much working with Kandie. I will always remember her kindness. I will miss her immensely."
Karen Black - "We will be forever grateful for your love and influence on our children and grandchildren but most importantly for loving our sister Paula everyday with your whole heart. We miss you and will always love you Kandie."
Carly Brown - "Kandie was a shining light, Albert and I were glad to have known her and enjoyed her generous spirit."
Jennifer Bown - "There will always be a special place in my heart for Kandie....... she will be missed."
Nora Brodnicki
Elise Brown - "From me and Dani with love. We're so glad you were a part of our family."
Angie Byrd
Claire Calhoun
Linda Carlile
John Chang
Tiffanie Clifford - "Kandie inspired us all with her grit and wit, students and staff alike are better for knowing her."
Jaime Clarke
Bob Cochran - "I once had contact with a potential student and asked for an advisor to get her started at CCC. The response was 'call Kandie Starr, she is the best'"
Amanda Coffey - "Kandie had a huge heart and an infectious smile. Her memory is a blessing for us all."
Ami Collofello
Klaudia Cuevas
Kim Crane
Rochelle Dawn
Kris Diefenderfer
John and Jackie Dieker
Sara Dier
Maria Dixon
Carol Dodson
Taylor Donnelly
Diane Drebin - "Such a kind soul and caring heart. You will be missed immensely and remembered by many for your goodness."
Robin Dryden
Caleb Feldman
Claudia Fife
Ida Flippo
Danielle Folliard
Beverly Forney
Irene Foster
Laura Funnemark - "Kandie was such a kind and caring person with a smile and laugh that could brighten anyone's day. She is so dearly missed."
Joyce Gabriel
Greer Gaston
Beau Gilbert - "As a younger LGBT member new to student affairs, I have looked up to Kandie since I met her on my first day at CCC. I always felt courageous and heard with Kandie in the room. It is my dream to be an advisor like her one day."
John Ginsburg - "Kandie set an example for others in everything she did. She demonstrated commitment and advocating for equity everywhere. Even in the face of setback or resistance, she went back out there and got to work. I hope to always keep Kandie's spirit in mind."
Vickie Gray - "We love you Kandie and Paula. -Love Mike, Vickie, Mariah and Tanner Gray"
David & Amy Green
Nancy Green
RB Green
Chris Groener
Julie Groner - "She left a positive impression on us all!!"
Mary Grout
Lori Hall
Tami Harper - "Kandie was always there with a smile for everyone. Over the years, I feel extremely blessed in getting to know her not only as co-worker but as a friend. She will be truly missed. Love you my friend."
Vicki Hedges
Dawn Hendricks
Beth Hodgkinson
Shalee Hodgson
Karen Hunt - "Kandie has an amazing big smile and she gives the best hugs! I am so happy to have worked with her at CCC for many years! She was such a warm and kind person and always made you feel good. She left a big void and will be greatly missed."
Darcie Iven - "Kandie was such a special person. Kind, compassionate, professional and FUN! Kandie represented the best of CCC. I will miss you my friend."
Joan Jagodnik - "Kandie was so supportive of students - and colleagues! I could always go to her with questions and know that she would help. I hope that her kind spirit lives on in those whose lives she touched."
Jill Johnston
Kim Kirchhofer
Jason Kovac
Gena LaFrenier - "Kandie was passionate about helping students meet their educational goals. Her service was exemplary. She was dedicated to her family and friends. She will be missed for sure."
Jane Littlefield
Kathryn Long - "It has been an honor to work with someone who viewed us all as both teachers and learners. Her warmth, humor, and compassion were treasured gifts. What a joy to reflect on Kandie's legacy."
Laura Lundborg - "Kandie helped me become a stronger support to those I love. That’s made a world of difference to me and my family. She taught by example what it means to provide a caring, safe, and inclusive space for each other."
Sue Mach - "Only a month ago, Kandie and I were hanging out together at graduation. Whenever we'd see an English major, she'd say, 'There's one of ours!' And we would cheer extra loud. I will miss her compassion, her sense of humor, and her dedication to student."
Alissa Mahar
Margaret Mallatt - "Kandie had a reputation for being a passionate and dedicated advocate for students. Her passing is a big loss for CCC."
Guadalupe Martinez Zapata
Steve and Chris Meadows
Jenny Miller
David Mount
Starr Muramaru
Cheryl Myers - "She was simply amazing and will be missed by so many; our heartfelt sympathies to Paula and friends."
Brett Nair - "Thank you Kandie for giving so much to your Association, your colleagues and the students of Clackamas."
Timothy Newton
Lisa Nielson
Teri Olsen
Melissa Padron
Tracy Pantano-Rumsey - "Kandie was such a mentor for me when I started at CCC, always welcoming questions and encouraging learning. She was such a light to our team and for her students. Her smile and giving spirit will be greatly missed."
Lindsey Pierce - "I always admired Kandie's warmth and ability to tackle problems in a way that invited people in and inspired action. I especially appreciated her efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at CCC. She will be greatly missed!"
David Plotkin
Brian Puncocher
Anna Quinn-Smith - "I knew Kandie right after she had met her future wife who I was working with in financial services- long long time ago. And that laugh! It's been ages since I saw her in person but I can still hear that great laugh in my head! May God hold you & keep you."
Ariane Rakich
Cynthia Risan
Teresa Robertson
Janis Rosenlof
Jennifer Rueda
Joan San-Claire
Camilo Sanchez
Terrie Sanne - "Kandie was the most authentic, stellar person I have ever had the privilege to call my friend. Her name said it all – she shone bright like the stars and guided her students."
Laurette Scott
Sara Sellards
Jeff Shaffer
Shelley Shaw
April Smith - "I'll try to be more like you Kandie. Thank you for always showing up."
Ryan Smith
Yvonne Smith - "I loved working with Kandie--her commitment to her work and to the college were palpable. She will be missed!"
Tara Sprehe - "Kandie made me a better leader and person. Her commitment to the student experience, her passion for inclusivity, and her dedication to her peers and our college is irreplaceable. I will miss her very much."
Chris Starr - "Miss you, Kandie. -Uncle Chris"
Dean Starr - "Thank you CCC for setting this up."
Philip Starr
Sarah Steidl - "I miss Kandie so much, we would have best conversations on how to help students and she was great at it and touched many lives here at CCC."
Gail Strobehn-Simmons - "I can't believe Kandie will no longer walk "beside us," on Campus. I loved her straightforward approach as my Advisor. I will forever remember Kandie's desire to instill inclusivity for the LGBTTQQIAAP community with her "SAFE ZONE" training at CCC."
Becky Torres - "Kandie was soft spoken, always had an open door and available to chat to help students and staff. Her beautiful smile and kind heart, I will miss you."
Dean Walch
Bill Weber
Kelly White - "I am already missing Kandie very much. She was an amazing human being and a pure joy to know."
Patty White - "My heart is broken.RIP dear friend. Love you. -(signed) "The Princess"
MaryJean Williams - "Kandie was a kind and supportive presence in our community. It will be a fine tribute to enshriner her name in the new Wacheno Welcome Center. Best of grief to all her friends and family, and may we all save a her smile in our hearts."
Ellen Wolfson - "I was lucky to work with Kandie as her first counselor and mentor. She was a leader as a student and staff member. She had courage, depth and a loving heart. I am so sad."
Mark Yannotta