Carole Fee Ivanoff

Dr. Carole Fee Ivanoff, beloved wife, stepmother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Denver, Colorado, on February 6, 2025, at the age of 82. 

Born on August 9, 1942, in Springfield, Illinois to parents Paul and Lorraine Fee. Determined to be a social worker from a young age, Carole completed her BA at Blackburn College and a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Illinois. 

After completing her MSW, Carole joined the Peace Corps as a social worker and spent a year in Nigeria, followed by a year in Ethiopia. After returning from Africa, she headed a social work agency in Springfield, Illinois. While there, she was recruited to create and teach a Social Work curriculum at Sangamon State University, where she became a tenured professor of Social Work. While taking a sabbatical in Denver in 1986, she met and fell in love with Mario Ivanoff. After marrying Mario in 1987, Carole moved to Denver and later started teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. While at DU, she earned her PhD in Social work and became an Assistant Professor and the Director of Student Services. 

Carole touched many lives and hearts during her lifetime as a social worker, therapist, educator, friend, and mentor. Carole loved to travel and see how other people lived, entertain friends, have many deep, philosophical discussions, cook gourmet meals, and spend countless hours in museums, art galleries, and antique stores. Wherever she went, she would inevitably meet people around her and manage to provide friendship and caring discussions. Her smile broke barriers all around her. 

Carole is survived by her husband Mario Ivanoff, stepdaughter Suzy Lindley, son-in-law Eric Lindley, cherished grandchildren Benjamin Lindley and Morgan Lindley, and her loving kitty Loki. She left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and knowledge that her family, friends, students, and clients will forever carry the lessons she had taught them.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice, such as Planned Parenthood, Rocky Mountain PBS, Colorado Public Radio, or World Wildlife Fund. 

A celebration of life will be held for Carole later this spring.