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 Elizabeth D. Robinton, 97
January 09, 2008
LENOX - Elizabeth Dorothy Robinton, 97, professor emeritus of microbiology at Smith College and one of the first residents of Kimball Farms retirement community, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, at its Nursing Care Center.
Born in Woburn on June 27, 1910, one of five children of Charles M. and Edna Skiff Robinton, she attended Florida State College for Women in 1927, but was forced to withdraw for financial reasons. She eventually completed her bachelor's degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, and earned her master's from Smith College in 1942 and her doctorate from Yale University in 1950. After retiring, she had moved to Rockport to live with her friend, Helen Reese; they both moved to Kimball Farms in 1990.
A microbiologist with special interests in public health issues, professor Robinton was first employed at the Kentucky State Public Health Laboratories in 1929 and then at the Connecticut Public Health Laboratory in Hartford. While there, she participated in the development of procedures widely implemented by public health laboratories throughout the country in analyzing bacteria and viruses that endangered public health.
She began teaching at Smith College in 1944 and became tenured in 1954. When the Clark Science Center was opened in 1967, she was the first chairman of the newly merged department of biological science. Always concerned with the development of her students, she was the much beloved dean of the class of 1964. During her tenure,
she published many articles on varied subjects in microbiology and public health. In 1994, as professor emeritus, she was awarded the Charis Medal by the college in recognition of academic excellence, loyalty and commitment to teaching and students.
A member of the American Public Health Association since 1935, she was active in APHA throughout her career. She was editor-in-chief of Health Laboratory Science from 1969 to 1975 and served as chairman of the laboratory section of APHA from 1973-1975. She continued to lecture and write in her chosen field through her long and productive retirement.
She leaves a sister, Florence Hutson of Madison, Wis., three nieces and six nephews, and many dear friends.
FUNERAL NOTICE - There will be no public calling hours or services for professor Robinton. Interment in Locust Grove Cemetery in Rockport will be private.
Memorial gifts are welcome for the "Class of 1964 Robinton Scholarship" at Smith College or to Hospicecare in the Berkshires Inc. in care of Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories
and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com
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