Scientist and former lecturer at Brown, Edelgard B. Morse, dies at 93

0


Friday, September 24, 2021

Enlarge +

Edelgard Morse passed away peacefully at home on September 13, 2021 after living a fulfilling, full and interesting life.

She was born on September 18, 1927 in Pforzheim, Germany, and grew up during World War II, traveling between her family’s homes in Pforzheim and Lake Constance to avoid the ravages of war. She attended the University of Cologne, where she obtained her doctorate. in 1955. There she met Ted Morse, who was also a graduate student, and six months later they were married in Gummersbach.

Shortly after moving to the United States with Ted, Edelgard accepted a post-doctoral position at Wesleyan University, went on to head the chemistry department at the University of Connecticut (Hartford), and then became an assistant professor. at Northwestern University. After many years of volunteering in public schools in Providence and as a professor at RISD, she became a lecturer in chemistry and led the Chem 3T program at Brown University from 1977 to 2005. This program at her own pace arose out of campus protests. from the mid-1970s and the occupation of University Hall, and was specifically designed to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Edelgard greatly appreciated her students and colleagues and was extremely proud of those who succeeded in the sciences. Edelgard and Ted were also members of Brown’s faculty and, for twenty years, hosted students in their homes every week.

Edelgard was a voracious reader and enjoyed cooking, swimming, playing tennis, and going to the opera at the Met. She especially enjoyed traveling around Europe every year to see friends and family, ski or hike, and visit museums. Walking through many national parks in the West with her husband, children and dachshunds has given her great pleasure. She had a deep appreciation for the natural world as a scientist and humanist.

Edelgard was accomplished but humble, and still practical. His kindness, insight and patience have earned him many friends throughout his 94 years.

Edelgard is survived by her husband of 67 years, Professor Ted Morse, her children Karin Morse (Laurent Tremblay), her son Peter Morse (Kathleen Van Gorden) and her grandchildren Jasper and Vivian Morse.

Her family is extremely grateful to her doctor, Dr. Jennifer Maude, and her incredible team of caregivers, including Annette Rodriguez, Ashley Tantao and Naja Castro, who made her last year so much more comfortable and enjoyable. Based on the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the ability to travel from Europe, a rally is scheduled for spring 2022 in Little Compton.

One of her students, Ainissa Ramirez, recently wrote in her book “While many chemistry teachers can be proud of the number of articles published, citations and titles, she has achieved something more. There are armies of doctors, engineers and scientists – like me – who are now in the world because of her… she left a mark on her students like no one else ”.

To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Edelgard B. Morse, visit the Tribute Store.



Share.

Comments are closed.