Dr. Ruth A. Walker

July 11, 1920 - February 26, 2017

Dr. Ruth A. Walker, Associate Dean and Professor of Chemistry at Lehman College, City University of New York, died on February 26th at the age of 96. Ruth was born in New York City in 1920 and grew up and then settled in Manhasset, Long Island. She earned her Bachelor's of Science in 1942 from Vassar College and her PhD in organic chemistry from Yale in 1945, one of the first women ever to do so. She contributed to advancements in both the pharmaceutical and textile industries, including the isolation of penicillin and streptomycin, the development of non-fading blue dye for rayon clothing, and even “No More Tears” shampoo for Johnson & Johnson. In 1957, she moved to the world of academia, joining the faculty at New York City’s Hunter College where she taught organic chemistry, later and became Director and Dean for Health Professions at Lehman College. After her retirement in 1989, she moved to the Quadrangle Senior Living Community in Haverford, PA. An active member of the community until her passing, she served on the residents’ board and shared her passion and love of teaching by establishing silver jewelry design and photography programs. Dr. Walker never married but is survived by her sister Frances W. Dwyer, and nieces and nephews, David P. Dwyer, CSP, Diana C. Dwyer, Malcolm Walker, Nicholas Walker, and Georgina Walker. A visitation will be held on March 4th at 10:00 AM at St. John Newmann Church, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at 12:30 PM at The Quadrangle Main Bldg., 3300 Darby Rd, Haverford PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Quadrangle ‘Residence Assistance Fund,’ c/o Minna Duchovnay, P.O. Box 7322, 3300 Darby Rd, Haverford PA 19041.