Carol Lundeen Ralston

Carol Lundeen Jorgens Ralston of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in 1943 to Harold and Edith Lundeen, Carol was raised in Northeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony Village, where family, community, and a spirit of service helped shape her lifelong commitment to caring for others. Carol was an accomplished scholar and lifelong learner. She graduated from Minnehaha Academy before earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude, from St. Olaf College. She later completed a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Minnesota, laying the foundation for a distinguished career that would span nursing practice, higher education, mental health advocacy, and public service. A highly respected nurse, educator, clinician, and advocate, Carol dedicated her professional life to improving the physical and mental health of children, adolescents, and families. Her credentials included Registered Nurse (RN), Master of Science in Nursing (MS), and Clinical Specialist (CS) in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Over the course of her career, Carol served in numerous leadership, clinical, and educational roles. She was an Instructor of Pediatric Nursing at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing and later joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, helping educate and mentor future generations of nurses. She served as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child-Family Life at the University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics, where she combined clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional and developmental needs of children and their families. Her passion for adolescent mental health led her to become Program Director of the Adolescent Psychiatric Program at United Hospital, where she helped develop and lead innovative services for young people facing mental health challenges. She later served as an Advance Practice Nurse with Washington County Human Services and concluded her career with Bloomington School District Health Services at Westwood Elementary, where she continued her lifelong commitment to supporting the health and well-being of children. Carol was deeply engaged in the professional organizations and advocacy efforts that shaped her field. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, and was actively involved with the Upper Midwest Sexual Abuse Consortium, the Minnesota Mental Health Legislative Network, and the Association of Minnesota Mental Health Outpatient Programs, where she served as Co-Chair. Throughout her career, she was a tireless advocate for accessible, compassionate, and effective mental health services, particularly for children and adolescents. Beyond her professional advocacy, Carol was deeply engaged in civic life. A lifelong supporter of Democratic causes and candidates, she believed strongly in public service, social justice, access to healthcare, education, and the importance of active participation in democracy. She followed current events closely and remained committed throughout her life to the values and causes she believed could improve the lives of others. While Carol's professional accomplishments were considerable, they represented only part of a life lived with curiosity and enthusiasm. An adventurous traveler, she delighted in exploring the world and experiencing new cultures. Her journeys took her throughout Mexico, Guatemala, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain, China, Thailand, India, the Caribbean region, and France. She embraced each destination with wonder and openness, always eager to learn and connect with others. A devoted patron of the arts, Carol found joy and inspiration in music, theater, literature, and visual arts. She believed deeply in the power of creativity to connect people and enrich communities and was a steadfast supporter of artistic and cultural organizations throughout the Twin Cities. Among the places closest to her heart was her beloved cabin on Lake Ojibway near Ely, Minnesota. Surrounded by the beauty of the north woods, she found peace, adventure, and renewal. Whether enjoying the quiet of the lake, gathering with family and friends, or simply appreciating the wilderness she loved so dearly, the cabin was one of her happiest places and the setting for countless treasured memories. Carol also had an abiding love for animals, especially her cherished Golden Retrievers. They were constant companions throughout her life and beloved members of her family. Above all else, Carol treasured her family. She was a loving mother to her daughters and an adoring grandmother to Allison, who brought immeasurable joy and pride to her life. Nothing delighted Carol more than celebrating Alli's accomplishments, sharing adventures together, and watching her grow. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edith Lundeen, and her sister, Jane Mayo. She is survived by her daughters, Marin (Paul) Morita and Kelsey (Matt) Jordan; cherished granddaughter, Allison Jordan; much-loved niece Britta Mayo, many beloved cousins and other extended family members and friends. Carol will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth, boundless enthusiasm, adventurous nature, and unwavering advocacy for others. She approached life with energy and purpose, embracing each day as an opportunity to learn, explore, and help others. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched as a nurse, educator, therapist, mother, grandmother, friend, and advocate. A celebration of Carol's life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced when arrangements are finalized. Memorials are preferred to Save the Boundary Waters, an organization dedicated to protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the greater Quetico-Superior region, places that reflected Carol's lifelong love of Minnesota's natural beauty and wilderness.

Carol Lundeen Ralston

March 8, 1943 - May 30, 2026

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