Elizabeth Epp

Elizabeth Clewell Epp
Elizabeth Clewell Epp, age 69, of Cornwall, PA, passed away at home in her sleep on January 6, following a long illness. She was the daughter of Mark and Dorothy Hausman Clewell. A native of Allentown, PA, she was confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Elizabeth graduated with honors from Allentown High School and earned a B.A. at Cedar Crest College (1964). She also earned a B.S. in Medical Technology from the University of Tennessee and an M.S. in Biology from the University of Memphis. Her professional career included medical research at the University of Rochester Medical School, Roswell Park Memorial Institute, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, and the University of Connecticut Health Center. Elizabeth was the R&D microbiology technologist at Methodist Hospital (Memphis) and held similar positions at Anne Arundel General Hospital (Annapolis), Hartford Hospital, and Lowell General Hospital. In addition to her publications on microorganisms she nurtured and mentored several generations of health professionals, most recently as a faculty member at the School of Allied Health, The University of Connecticut. Retirement in 2011 was quickly followed by departure from her beloved New England. With her husband of 48 years, the Cornwall Manor retirement community became their new home and Elizabeth served on the Board of the Cornwall Manor Society. Elizabeth loved the natural world. Exploring the American landscape gave her great satisfaction. Hiking the mountains of New England, walking through botanical gardens, and identifying the birds aloft were of endless amusement for her. She was a skilled seamstress and most recently crafted objects through the technique of iris paper folding. She engaged others, drawing upon humor, sensitivity, and a brilliant intelligence to develop lasting and highly meaningful friendships. Her strength of character sustained her to the end. She donated her remains to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Humanity Gifts Registry. Her organs may be harvested, and her body used for medical education by the Pennsylvania State University Milton S. Hershey Medical School. Survivors: She is survived by her husband, Ronald; sister-in-law, Linda Bard of Hemet, CA; her uncle, Al Watson of Asheville, NC; and two first cousins, Mary Anderson of Asheville and William Watson of Farmington, CT. Services: A memorial service is being arranged by Cornwall Manor Chaplain Glenn Esler. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., Lebanon, PA is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at our online guest book at: www.thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in her memory to the Cedar Crest College College Endowment Fund for Scholarships to a student in biology. Office of Institutional Advancement, Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA 18104.