Saturday, October 28, 2006
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 StrawserAccountantMichael 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.
He was fond of bluegrass music and had a collection of several thousand recordings.
His marriage to Jennifer Shafer Strawser ended in divorce.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Maureen A. Strawser of Arlington; two daughters from his first marriage, Cynthia L. Grant and Sarah R. Strawser, both of Arlington; a brother; and three grandchildren.
Cecil WilsonFBI AdministratorCecil Train Wilson, 87, an administrator for FBI field service agents, died Oct. 23 of lung cancer at Chevy Chase House, an assisted living retirement residence.
She worked for the FBI for 35 years, retiring in 1985.
Born Harriet Cecil Train in Appleton, Wis., she was the daughter of Rear Adm. Harold Cecil Train and Mary P. Train. She eventually stopped using her first name. She grew up in Chevy Chase; Long Beach, Calif.; Ningpo, China; and Geneva as the family moved because of her father's Navy assignments.
She graduated from Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington in 1942 and married a Navy officer. Her husband, Lt. Cmdr. David Spencer Wilson, was killed in action aboard the submarine USS Tullibee in the Pacific in 1944.
Mrs. Wilson, who lived for 50 years in Washington, was a member of the Catholic Church of the Annunciation.
Survivors include her brother, retired Adm. Harry D. Train II of Norfolk; and a sister, Jane Train Flynn of Rochester, N.Y.
Rosetta MazzarellaElementary School TeacherRosetta Mazzarella, 89, a retired second-grade teacher who worked as a substitute teacher in Montgomery County, died Oct. 14 at her home in Olney. She had Alzheimer's disease.
Ms. Mazzarella was born in New York City and graduated from New York University's School of Commerce in 1939. After working in finance for several years, she received a master's degree in education from NYU in the 1940s and followed her calling to work with young children.
She taught elementary school students in New York and Mayfield, Ohio, before retiring in 1988 and moving to Maryland.
Ms. Mazzarella was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Olney, where she taught religious education and served on committees.
She had an impish sense of humor, which she maintained throughout her life, family members said.
Survivors include a sister, Phyllis Gagliardo of Olney.