Obituaries

Nancy Goldman NossalNIH Scientist

Nancy G. Nossal, 69, a scientist at the National Institutes of Health, died Sept. 28 of cancer at her home in Bethesda.

Dr. Nossal was born in Fall River, Mass., and grew up in Newton, Mass., and Syracuse, N.Y. She received a bachelor's degree from Cornell University in 1958 and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Michigan in 1964.

She joined the scientific staff at NIH in 1964, and she advanced to chief of the laboratory of molecular and cellular biology at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a position she held at the time of her death.

In the 1960s, Dr. Nossal became one of the first women working in the then-new field of molecular biology, directing her research toward fundamental questions about how viruses affect DNA replication and how proteins function at a molecular level.

She published more than 60 papers and was on the editorial boards of the Journal of Biological Chemistry and the Journal of Virology. She served on a number of advisory and review committees. In 2005, she was elected to membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Nossal's husband said she appreciated having the chance to do work she enjoyed at NIH at a time when female research scientists had trouble finding high-quality professional opportunities at other institutions. She served as a mentor to many young scientists, women and men, and was well aware of the difficulties women often faced trying to balance career and family obligations.

She enjoyed hiking, especially along the C&O Canal, and baking cookies for family, friends and colleagues.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Ralph Nossal of Bethesda; three children, Susan Nossal of Madison, Wis., Steven Nossal of Reston and Michael Nossal of the District; her mother, Dorothy Goldman of Chicago; a sister; and a brother.

Michael Bruce StrawserAccountant

Michael Bruce Strawser, 59, a partner in a Washington accounting firm, died Oct. 21 of complications of esophageal cancer at Virginia Hospital Center. He lived in Arlington.

Mr. Strawser was born in Washington and grew up in Arlington, where he graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School. He attended the University of Virginia and graduated from George Mason University. He later became a certified public accountant.

He joined the public accounting firm of Salter & Co. in 1970 and later became a partner in the company, where he continued to work until his death.

Mr. Strawser was known for his quick wit, thoughtfulness and strong convictions. He enjoyed the study of philosophy and was particularly interested in the works of Bertrand Russell. He was also a student of Eastern religious thought and became a vegetarian because he did not believe in taking the life of another being.