A rather remarkable woman passed away this weekend

[underpants]

I can't use her name out of respect for anonymity

She started at college when she was 15 years old. Graduated before she was 20. This was in the 1930's mind you when women in college largely were in nursing and education. She earned a BS in Chemistry. She went to work for a large oil company. She earned her Masters Degree shortly there after and taught some college courses at the same time.

She urgently recruited her fellow women to get into this formerly all male field. She offered to pay for one of my aunts to get an associates degree and then get her placed in a well paid truly great occupation. My aunt didn't take her up on it but many young women did opening up this career and this industry.


In the 1950's she took it upon herself to learn Russian as her employer had dealings with the largest oil producer in the world. Self taught and fluent within a year or so.

She was a accomplished piano teacher with several students giving recitals at the National Cathedral amongst other places.

She paid for my mother to go to college (late 50's early 60's). My family's course was set by her kindness.

My daughter's middle name is from her name.


She was 94.

[AspenRose]

1. God bless her.

:hug:

[midnight]

2. This is a wonderful story that I was so glad to read. People

who are helping others. This women greatly impacted your and your mother's life in such a positive way.

[AndyA]

3. She sounds like she was an incredible woman.

A real trail blazer, who shared her knowledge and success with others.

Bless her heart, she lived a good life and worked hard to help others succeed as well. She was able to overcome lots of resistance no doubt in her fight to do what she wanted to do. I'm sure she's being rewarded for her efforts.

Thanks for sharing, I'm sorry for your loss.

[applegrove]

4. RIP to one of the greatest generation. They don't make em like that anymore.

[lonestarnot]

5. I would have liked her.

:(

[bluesmail]

6. Wonderful read. Wonderful woman to read about.

My own mother (born 1915) paid for herself to attend an Eastern College. Made me think of my mother. Thanks.:thumbsup:

[ismnotwasm]

7. She sounds awesome

One of the most influentual women in my life was a "little old lady" chemistry professor. Bless all the groundbreakers, and our collective grandmothers.

Sorry for your loss

[eridani]

8. Yes, indeed. Let's hear it for those little ofd lady chem professors

I owe my career to one.

[Mabus]

9. Wow

There are so many people, whom we will never know about, that have touched so many lives in positive ways that we never hear about. We don't hear about this type of person enough. It's amazing the ripples that can happen as a result of one kind person. It's also refreshing to see this kind of acknowledgment.

Thanks for sharing.

[Iris]

10. God I love stories like this. Strong, smart, independent women - all before the 60s

and we bitch and moan over what we don't have now.

Thanks for reminding me once again that gender is only a barrier when we make it one.

May she rest in peace.

[malaise]

11. Clearly a remarkable woman

Lucky you. :grouphug:

[pacalo]

12. Now, *that's* what I call a "beautiful mind". Thanks for sharing.