DR. RUTH A. WALKER

1920 - 2017

WALKER
DR. RUTH A.

Associate Dean at Lehman College, CUNY, died on February 26th, 2017, at age 96. Ruth was born in N.Y. City in 1920 and grew up in Manhasset NY. She earned a B.S. in 1942 from Vassar College and a PhD in organic chemistry from Yale in 1945, one of the first women ever to do so. She contributed to advancements in both the pharmaceutical and textile industries, including the isolation of penicillin, the development of non-fading blue dye for clothing, and even "No More Tears" shampoo. In 1957, she moved to the world of academia, joining the faculty at CUNY's Hunter College where she taught organic chemistry, and later and became Director and Dean for Health Professions at Lehman College. Upon retirement in 1989, she moved to the Quadrangle Senior Living Community in Haverford PA. An active community member until her passing, she served on the residents' board and founded and taught silver jewelry design and photography programs.
Dr. Walker is survived by her sister, Frances W. Dwyer; and nieces and nephews, David P. Dwyer, CSP, Diana C. Dwyer, Malcolm Walker, Nicholas Walker, and Georgina Walker. Visitation will be held March 4, 10 A.M., at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr PA, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. A reception will follow at 12:30 P.M. at The Quadrangle, 3300 Darby Road, Haverford PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Quadrangle 'Residence Assistance Fund,' c/o Minna Duchovnay, P.O. Box 7322, 3300 Darby Road, Haverford PA 19041.

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