Eloise R. "Elo" Giblett

Dr. Eloise R. (Elo) GIBLETT Jan. 17, 1921 ~ Sept. 16, 2009 Elo was born in Tacoma, WA, daughter of the late William R. and Rose Giblett. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, three nieces and a nephew.Elo received B.S., M.S. andM.D. degrees from the University of Washington in 1942, 1947and 1951 respectively. She briefly interrupted her education to proudly serve in the WAVES during World War II. She did post-doctoral studies in hematology and genetics at the UW, as well as the Post Graduate School of Medicine in London England and at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. A member of many national and international scientific committees as well as medical and genetics societies, she was President of the American Society of Human Genetics in 1973. Dr. Giblett was also a board member of the American Society of Hematology, the Western Association of Physicians and the New York Blood Center Research Advisory Committee. In 1980, she was elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences and was awarded the Seattle Matrix Table. In 1981 she became a fellow of the National Association for the Advancement of Science. Most of her work was performed at the Puget Sound Blood Center, where she was Associate Director from 1955 to 1979 and Executive Director until retirement in 1987. She was also on the faculty of the U of W School of Medicine, attaining the rank of full professor in 1967. At retirement, she was awarded Emeritus status at both the University of Washington and The Puget Sound Blood Center. The author of over 200 scientific papers and textbook chapters, she also wrote a book entitled "Genetic Markers in Human Blood" published in 1969. In 1987 she received the U.W Medical School's Distinguished Alumni Award, the first woman honored in that way. During her retirement years, she devoted much of her time to music, playing the violin in several amateur groups, especially enjoying chamber music. She was on the board of the Music Center of the Northwest, and strongly supported all forms of classical music. Elo was an amazing woman, an incredible scientist and an inspiration to those both within and outside of the medical field. She is survived by her niece, Leslie. Her legacy will live on and those who study such things know that she has an antigen named after her (the 'Elo' antigen). She was a fan of Science fiction; knew Isaac Asimov and is mentioned in one of Robert Heinlein's books. Thanks to Providence Hospice and CareForce; whose staff provided Elo much comfort during her last days. And also to her good friend, Betty Olson, who was there until the last moment. There will be no burial service at her request. Remembrances can be sent to the Research Fund of the Puget Sound Blood Center.