“Standing Room Only” is a phrase usually reserved for Broadway musicals and rock concerts. In this case, however, it referred to the memorial service for a much beloved former Bakersfield College employee.

Calvary Chapel of Bakersfield was filled beyond capacity Feb. 6 as family, friends and colleagues gathered to remember Michael Sloan, who died Jan. 30 of cancer at age 60. She worked at Bakersfield College for 13 years as a Human Resources Department Assistant. She retired in June of last year.

During the service, music and laughter filled the air as memories were shared by many. Sloan was remembered as a straightforward woman who stood by her beliefs although she could be bribed with a Diet Coke and a Snickers bar.

According to her obituary, Sloan was married for 33 years to her husband, Kent Sloan, and had three children. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hoffman Hospice in her memory.

In interviews, her husband, staffers, and faculty remembered her as a woman who didn’t mince words.

She was “a great wife, mother and grandmother,” her husband said.

Cynthia Munoz, president of the classified union, said she was a “highly spirited friend and colleague who was a strong supporter of classified employees and CSEA.”

“Michael will be missed for her hard work and dedication to get things done,” said political science professor Steven Holmes. “She had a warm side to her and treated my children very well,” he added.

Professor Karen Eso would have lunch with Sloan once a month for six years even though they were exact opposites. “Michael would say things like, ‘I hated this book, you’ll love it!’ Eso said with a laugh. “You always knew where you stood with Michael. If she was your friend there was nothing she would not do for you.”