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Hanover College Mount Holyoke College University of Wisconsin Wellesley College

Phyllis Fleming Obituary

FLEMING--Phyllis J., Sarah Whiting Francis Professor of Physics, Emerita, at Wellesley College, died after a long illness on June 23, 2009. A physicist, she dedicated her life to the enhancement of opportunities for women in science as a pioneer in teaching, research and service. She believed to know a subject one must teach it. Thirty of her Wellesley students completed doctorates in physics including Persis Drell, the Director of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Among the countless others she inspired with her wit and wisdom was Pamela Melroy, the astronaut. As Dean of Wellesley from 1968-1972, she organized the MIT-Wellesley Exchange and the Continuing Education Program which enabled women whose education had been interrupted to complete their degrees. After her return to full time teaching, she wrote a successful textbook and served as Department Chair and Director of the Science Center. Born in Shelbyville, Indiana, she was graduated from Hanover College in 1946 and earned her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1948 and 1955 respectively. She was the recipient of many awards. Hanover honored her with an Alumnae Award in 1963 and an Honorary D.Sc. in 2003. In 1982 at Wellesley, she was the first scientist to win the Pinanski Prize for Distinguished Teaching. Later she also was the first winner of the Janet Guernsey Award for Exceptional Lifetime Achievement for her service to faculty, students and alumnae. More recently, she was named a 2009 Alumni Fellow of the UW Physics Department. In addition to her 50 year Wellesley career, she also taught at Mt. Holyoke College from 1948-1950. She completed her career by tutoring at Cape Cod Community College for five semesters. She is survived by her sister, Helen Lorenz, her brother-in-law, two nephews and two great-nephews and her life partner, Linda B. Miller, South Wellfleet, Mass. Services and internment were held in Shelbyville on June 29 and 30. Donations in her honor may be sent to: The Phyllis J. Fleming Scholarship, Cape Cod Educational Foundation, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, Mass. 02668 or the Phyllis J. Fleming Scholarship Fund at Hanover College, P.O. Box 108, Hanover, IN 47243.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Fleming

23 Entries

Mary Anne McCarthy

August 3, 2009

Miss Fleming was a wonderful person and an extraordinary teacher. She was an inspiration to me, and I have continued to remember her fondly throughout the years. I have happy memories of a visit I had with her (and her cat) at Hallowell House when I was at Wellesley in 2001 for my 40th class reunion. I took a chance and called her, thinking that she probably would not remember me after 40 years – but she did, and I’m so glad I took that chance.

As a freshman at Wellesley I planned to major in chemistry, but Miss Fleming’s physics class showed me where my interest in science really lay. I switched my major to physics, and went on to get advanced degrees in nuclear physics and in numerical analysis. Throughout my life I have worked in various scientific areas, and, though I’ve been retired for many years, I am still very interested in science and keep up with the latest news.

My heart goes out to Ms. Miller and to Miss Fleming’s family. I share your sorrow.

Anne (Neville) Stauffer

August 1, 2009

Miss Fleming (as we called her then) was a fantastic teacher. I had the opportunity to take two or three classes from her, and I have never experienced any professor who was as aware as she was of how students were receiving her words. She could tell if anyone in the class was not "getting it," and then she would find another way to explain. (And she could do that in a way that would enrich the understanding of the students that DID get it the first time.)

I remember one time when she paced back and forth a few times, then slid down the front cabinet to sit on the floor while she pondered the right way to explain something. I had never seen a professor sit on the floor before, and it impressed me because she was so involved in coming up with a way of reaching us. Then suddenly she bounded up with the very best possible description of the point at hand. Electricity or relativity, she could make everything understandable!

My condolences to her loved ones and friends, and I am so grateful for the chance to share a few memories.
(Wellesley, Class of 1976)

Tina (Feil) Shaffer, MD 94

August 1, 2009

Dr. Fleming was my favorite professor! As a premed student, I was extremely nervous about taking physics. When I mentioned this to her and that I really needed to do "very well", she encouraged me to study hard but also suggested I could do my homework in her office and if I was stumped, she could help me.

I spent many delightful afternoons working through my physics homework (admittedly sneaking in a few cigarettes) and being inspired by this amazing, funny, incredibly bright and warm woman. She was a true treasure!

Beverly Dickerson

July 31, 2009

My sympathy to Miss Fleming's family and friends. I took her physics course as a freshman at Wellesley in the spring of 1962. She was a wonderful teacher and represented to me the model of a caring, inspirational professor.

Susan Santangelo, Sc.D. (1978)

July 30, 2009

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the partner, family, and friends of Dr. Fleming. I was privileged to have had her as a teacher in two physics courses at Wellesley. The first was 'Physics for Poets,' which was so fascinating and well-taught that it inspired me to go on to take a real physics course, which was excellent and which I thoroughly enjoyed. Through Dr. Fleming's superb teaching, I gained the confidence to take hard science courses and ultimately, to pursue a career in science (although not in physics). I will always be grateful to her for that and for being a great role model, leading and inspiring by example. Remembering what a lovely, thoughtful, accomplished, teacher and person she was, I try to emulate her in my own career and life.

Essie Burnworth

July 30, 2009

I was one of four Physics majors in the class of 1960, and Miss Fleming was my advisor. She was a wonderful teacher and provided encouragement and inspiration to all her students. I remember a few of us studying for general exams at her house; she could explain complex things clearly and never lost patience with those of us who loved physics but who found it difficult.

I send my sympathy to all those close to her.

Monica Bruno

July 30, 2009

Professor Fleming was an inspiration. I have thought of her often through the years and am honored to have met her. (Wellesley, Class of '91)

Linda Vaughn

July 30, 2009

As a freshman in 1955 I landed, for unexplained reasons, in Elementary Physics for chemistry majors. I had never had science as most of my elementary and high school years were in Europe. I was totally lost. Miss Fleming took pity on me, found out I played bridge. We played several times at her house after tutoring sessions. She coached me for the final exam and it became apparent I could arrive at a test answer but was hopeless at going through the usual method. At the final, a student who sat behind me copied my paper. Because of the tutoring, there was little question of whose paper was genuine. I have been forever grateful for her bridge playing, her generous spirit, her tutoring and her kindness to a very green freshman who probably wouldn't benefit from repeating the course.

Ellen Pichey

July 30, 2009

I had Phyllis Fleming for Physics I in Fall 1974. She was a fantastic teacher, who had handouts with diagrams and had perfected her speaking pace to allow for taking notes and being able to think about what she was saying! She was always available and made physics fun. And to think that I had avoided physics all through high school until my senior year at Wellesley. She is still one of my examples of the exemplary teaching I had at Wellesley.

I send my condolences to her friends and family. She was a positive influence in many person's lives.

Ellen Pichey,M.D. (1975)

Beth Johnson

July 30, 2009

I remember how Professor Fleming, as a new Dean at Wellesley, reached out to meet students and know them personally. I never took her class but she inspired me with the values that she represented for women in every area of our lives. My condolences at her passing. She will remain a large part of Wellesley's legacy, both within the institution and within the lives of students whom she influenced.

Beth Johnson, '67, M.Div., Ph.D.

Heidi C. Horner, PhD ('77)

July 30, 2009

Professor Fleming was a terrific teacher. I am grateful to her for sparking a life-long interest in the mysteries of Physics.

Carolyn Dufurrena

July 30, 2009

Phyllis Fleming was not only a kind and encouraging mentor to students at challenging times in their lives; her institution of the Wellesley-MIT exchange program allowed many of us to explore avenues that would not have been available to us otherwise. This opportunity changed the course of my life and I will always be grateful for her vision.

Malika Jeffries-EL

July 30, 2009

I had the opportunity to know Professor Fleming well during my time at Wellesley. Although she had already retired, she was still actively helping students by tutoring physics. She helped me make it through two semesters of physics which were required for my chemistry major. I am very grateful for that as I do not think I would have passed otherwise. Her investment in me was well warranted, although physics was not my thing I went on the complete a Ph.D in chemistry and I am now working as a professor as well.

I send my condolences to her family and friends.

Valentina Morales

July 30, 2009

I can remember long tutoring sessions where Prof. Fleming sat patiently with me through problem sets that were not intended to be difficult. Although not a science major, I loved physics but unfortunately lacked the training and capacity to understand it as deeply as I hoped to. Prof. Fleming was nothing but encouraging. She inspired me to try, try and try again and defended my accomplishments even when to others they may have seemed insignificant. She was caring, supportive and diligent in her teaching. I remember her always and hope to pass along what she taught me in the short time we spent together to my children and others.

Nancy Ward

July 30, 2009

Phyllis was a remarkable woman whom I met when I was a Davis Scholar at Wellesley College. I first knew her as a tutor, then later I was lucky enough to know her as a friend. I would not have made it through Wellesley without Phyllis. I benefitted greatly from her knowledge, compassion, advise, and sense of humor. She was a classy lady.
Nancy Ward
DS '99

Sherry Hogan

July 30, 2009

I am sad to say I did not know Professor Fleming, however, her students' postings here attest to her tremendous influence on them and Wellesley. As it turns out she also had a tremendous influence on my life. Her organization of Wellesley's continuing education program gave birth to the Davis Scholar Program of which I am a proud and grateful graduate. Through me and thousands more women, Prof. Fleming's dedication to the betterment of women and this world will continue.

Grace Michele Alba

July 30, 2009

Ms. Fleming made physics fun! She always made a point of chatting with students about physics, college, and life in general. She even listened to us if we had suggestions to improve the lab design. She is one of the reasons I am now a university science instructor myself.
I took advantage of the MIT-Wellesley exchange program (which she started) to attend classes and do research at MIT, experiences I'll not forget.
Brava, Phyllis, for a life well-lived!
Grace Michele Alba, Honors Chemistry, WC 1987

Janet Demeter

July 30, 2009

She stands out in my memory as my favorite professor at Wellesley. She was kind and encouraging to me at a time in my life that was very difficult. I was privileged to know her briefly as I did. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and to her life partner.

Susan Capeci

July 30, 2009

While not a physics major, I do remember Ms. Feming and it's been a number of years since I graduated. My condolences to her partner and family and the Wellesley College community.

Francine Myles

July 30, 2009

I wish I'd known her. Such an accomplished person - and still a person.

Martha Krieger

July 30, 2009

Ms Fleming taught 'Physics for Poets' which I took my freshman year. She was a wonderful teacher, using demonstrations which were often very funny as a way to help us understand the principles of physics. It was a class that shaped my view of the world.
Martha Jacoby Krieger (Wellesley '78)

[Teresa] JOAN WHITE

July 6, 2009

'Miss' [then] Fleming took our Physics of Sound [Physics 205] into MIT as early as 1955.
Revd Dr Sr Teresa JOAN WHITE, CSA
Wellesley '58 (etc).

Liz Kelley Quigg

July 5, 2009

Phyllis Fleming was my advisor as a physics major at Wellesley and a truly dedicated teacher. I often looked her up when I returned for reunions. Testimony to her fine teaching was the number of Wellesley women who went on to do graduate work in physics.

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