Lucy McCrone

The world of microscopy mourns the loss of Lucy McCrone.

Lucy McCrone and Peter Diaczuk taken at Inter/Micro.

It was my pleasure to have met Lucy at several Inter/Micro meetings in Chicago.  She enjoyed those meetings and the eclectic audiences that were drawn to them.  Lucy displayed an enviable energy both at Inter/Micro and at her home away from home, the McCrone Research Institute.

My first contact with Lucy was many years ago when I called the Institute for advice.  I had come upon a copy of the first edition of the Particle Atlas being auctioned on Ebay.  Lucy set aside her more important duties at the Institute as we discussed the making of the first edition, compared it to the second edition, and scrutinized the add describing this copy as having torn edges and folded corners.  Lucy suggested that I not bid too high, but if I really wanted it, to go as high as $75.  I did just that and when the book came I was delighted that I took her advice.

In spite of difficulty walking in recent years, Lucy made it to Inter / Micro after Inter / Micro anyway.  She was conspicuous by her absence at I/M 2010 however, but the photograph above taken at I/M 2005 shows Lucy’s tenacity as she took her seat in the back of the room at the Talbot Hotel to enjoy the presentations on microscopy.

Thanks to Dr Walter McCrone, Lucy McCrone and now to Dr Gary Laughlin and the folks from McRI for bringing us, and continuing to bring us, Inter / Micro.  We will miss Lucy at I/M 2011.  The world of microscopy will forever miss Lucy.

From Chicago Tribune

Lucy, B. McCrone, nee Beman, Age 87, a resident of Chicago since 1957, died February 10, 2011. Mrs. McCrone was born July 16, 1923 in Buffalo, New York. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Walter C. McCrone; cherished sister of Mary Blaisdell; fond aunt of John Blaisdell. Mrs. McCrone worked as chemical microscopist for Walter C. McCrone Associates until 1984 and was co-founder and director of McCrone Research Institute in Chicago since 1960, where she still worked until this year. At Mrs. McCrone's request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mrs. Lucy B. McCrone's name to her Scholarship Fund at the McCrone Research Institute, the Jane Goodall Institute, or another charitable organization of your choice. There will be a memorial service at some later date. For more information call 312-842-7100.