RAPPAPORT, Ruth S. Pioneering Vaccine Researcher Ruth Rappaport, the first woman hired as a scientist by Wyeth Laboratories and whose research contributed to the development of vaccines for a host of illnesses, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Philadelphia. She was 83. The eldest daughter of Jennie (Pearl) Shoer (1910-2000) and Irving Shoer (1912-1970) of Peabody, MA, she attended Peabody High School and graduated, alongside her twin Patricia Shoer Goldman-Rakic, from Vassar College in 1959. She went on to study at Yale University, where she received her Ph.D in 1967. In a world dominated by men, Ruth rose to become Senior Director of Clinical Immunology and Virology for Wyeth. Her research contributed to the development of vaccines that treat diseases such as influenza, human rotavirus, adenovirus and HIV, and protect against E. coli and cholera. She held patents for certain growth hormones and cancer-binding molecules, and authored nearly 60 scientific papers. Outside of the laboratory, Ruth composed music and several works of poetry. She was a passionate student of ballet, and performed a dance created for her by the choreographer Edmund Jakub Novak. She played piano, and regularly attended opera and performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Over her lifetime, she assembled an art collection that includes notable paintings, American pottery, furniture and folk art. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two sisters, Dr. Goldman-Rakic, a highly regarded neuroscientist who died in 2003, and Dr. Linda Shoer (1942-1999), founder and president of List Laboratories, a biotechnology firm in Campbell, Calif. Burial will take place Sunday, May 3, 2020, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Peabody Veterans Memorial High School or the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. The staff at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, Salem, MA was honored to care for Ruth and her family. For more information or to register in the online guestbook, please visit www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com Stanetsky-Hymanson Chapel 10 Vinnin St., Salem, MA 01970 781-581-2300

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from May 1 to May 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for RUTH RAPPAPORT

8 Entries

Rob Meehan

January 24, 2022

I just read about this lovely woman’s contribution to the Peabody High School and felt compelled to read her obituary. I wouldn’t think it is common for someone with such a brilliant scientific mind to be so connected to the arts to the point where she wrote her own poetry. It really does look like Ruth ravished life. Rest In Peace.

Jason Tanzer

May 9, 2020

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Ruth and, belatedly or her twin sister Patti ,and their younger sister Linda. Ruth and Patti were my '55 Peabody High School classmates. I cannot think of brighter, more energetic, more constructive people.

I lost track of them when I left Peabody in 55 to go on my own course.

I will always remember them, and I will surely pay a visit to Ruth's burial site when I make my next visit to Maple Hill Cemetery.

I hope that some family is left to grieve her loss, and surely there are many of her colleagues, who will take comfort in her great contributions to health of our country and world.

May 4, 2020

Ruth,

My heart is broken. You were a special friend and colleague with a brilliant mind. I learned so much from you. You opened the Pharmaceutical door for me at Wyeth in 1999 and I will forever be grateful. Knowing that you are with your beloved sisters again makes me smile.

~ Miss Laura C. L.

Denise Rushworth

May 3, 2020

Ruth your brilliant scientific mind and love of art were equally matched by your wit and wonderful sense of humor. I recall many conversations and teleconferences in your office where we laughed until we cried. You had a will of steel and a heart of gold. I miss you my friend but I know you are now with your sisters and at peace. Yours was a life well lived. My heart is with your family and friends.

Luz Hermida

May 2, 2020

Dear Ruth,
You were a trailblazer in life and a fearless leader at applied immunology (AIM) in Wyeth, Pearl River, NY. A true Renaissance woman. You led our group through the influenza vaccine trials mixing excellent science discussions with your love for art and music. I will play Rachmaninov Prelude in C sharp minor and each time I'll hear it I'll think of you. May this candle light your journey to the other side where your twin sister Pat and your other sister Linda may greet you . You will be missed. Sending condolences to your extended family. So sorry for your loss. Sincerely

Dace Viceps Madore

May 2, 2020

I had the privilege of getting to know Ruth at Wyeth, when she was responsible for leading a dedicated group of scientists evaluating novel viral vaccines. After both of us retired, our professional relationship evolved to a friendship. I will miss our discussions, which covered a myriad of topics and also reflected our passion for medical research.

Marjorie Short

May 2, 2020

From Peabodu, MA I'm impressed to read about the accomplishments of this amazing family. This is a tremendous loss so my condolences to the family and friends
Marjorie Short

Steven Johnson

May 2, 2020

Ruth and I had developed a tradition of an annual phone call every August 24th, so when she called 3 weeks ago, I knew it wasn't good news. I didn't expect to lose her so quickly, though. We had reestablished a friendship after Linda's death, and I looked forward to our talks -- even though they were only once a year. I will very much miss her and the connection with the family that she symbolized.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results