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NORMA MCCOY Obituary
Norma Louise McCoy
Norma passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2012, after a long illness.
She was born in Galveston, Texas on August 6, 1934. Norma was a graduate of Vancouver High School, then attended Stanford University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota where she earned a doctorate in Psychology.
Norma was a professor at San Francisco State University for over 40 years and received many academic grants, honors, and awards. She was best known for her studies relating to women, birth control, estrogen, and pheromones. She was also vitally interested in the scientific study of human sexuality. Her exuberant and powerful personality will be missed by all who knew her. She lived life to the fullest and as she wanted to do.
In addition to her academic achievements, she was a great mother. She loved her garden and was especially fond of her roses, camellias, and azaleas.
Norma is survived by her beloved husband Joseph Matyas, son Robert Bruce Irons and his wife Carol, daughter Juliet McCoy Irons Marchioni and her husband Bart, her sister Doris Vail, and several cousins. Her granddaughter Isabelle Irons will especially miss her.
Her burial in Vancouver, WA will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stanford University Medical Center, Gift Processing, P. O. Box 20466, Stanford, CA 94309.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for NORMA MCCOY
Cheryl Rios
September 20, 2023
I just learned of Dr. McCoy's passing, 11 years later, as I was talking with my granddaughter about her and my admiration of her research. Dr. McCoy was my professor at SFSU in 1998-1999. I was her TA in Spring 1999. I was 50 years old when I graduated so Dr. McCoy and I were almost "of an age." She was the single most impressive person I encountered during my higher education and possibly in my life. I encouraged my granddaughter, a psych major, to borrow my "readers" that Dr. McCoy assembled for her courses for educational purposes. I hate knowing she is gone and her marvelous personality and knowledge won't be there for future students. I will always miss her as I truly admired and loved her. My heart hurts for her loss. I moved to TX 16 years ago and lost touch with her.
October 1, 2012
In the 1990s Norma and I worked together on several projects for the Human Sexuality Studies Program--hiring a director and designing a new MA degree program. At every meeting [and there were many] it was her energy, intelligence and sense of humor that kept us going. She was a splendid colleague, who will be greatly missed!
Bill Bonds
Janice Epp
September 17, 2012
Norma was a valued colleague: brilliant, witty, graceful, but with a steely wit. I loved working with her and always learned from her wisdom. My sympathies to Joseph.
Vena Blanchard
September 13, 2012
Norma was a valuable contributor to the field of sex research, and a delightful person.
Carol Cassell
September 13, 2012
Norma was just simply a wonderful person and a brillant scientist. Her work will live on forever. And as will the memory of her friendship.
richard green
September 13, 2012
You were a generous and unique person.
Mitch Turitz
September 7, 2012
Norma, we will miss you and your great sense of humor at the "Old boys' table" for lunch. I'll miss you already.
Mitch Turitz
September 7, 2012
She was a great friend, especially at the "Old Boys' Table" for lunch at San Francisco State U. She had a great sense of humor.
Tom Lowry
September 7, 2012
A brilliant bundle of energy and a dedicated scholar. A truly hard-to-forget personality.
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