Obituaries

Linda A. Lohr, longtime University Libraries staff member and curator of the Robert L. Brown History of Medicine Collection in the Health Sciences Library, died April 24.

Lohr joined the UB Libraries in 1979 as administrative assistant to the director of the Health Sciences Library. She served as assistant to the director from 1983 to 1997, when she was appointed manager/curator of the History of Medicine Collection, which features historical materials in all areas of the health sciences, including dentistry, medicine nursing, pharmacy and public health.

Numerous colleagues praised Lohr’s knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the History of Medicine Collection, noting she created the Linda Lohr Endowed Fund for the History of Medicine to ensure the future of the collection.

“She was an inspiration, as it is evident how much she loved working with the collection; she knew an in-depth history of every item, as well as when you came to her with a question, she immediately knew what resources in the collection held the answer without having to consult the catalog,” one co-worker said. “It was always a joy to see her give a tour to any audience, from grade school children to retirees, as she brought the collection to life with her excitement. Her tours made you feel like she had just shared a happy and exciting secret with you.”

Other colleagues recalled Lohr’s kindness, willingness to help out, quirky sense of humor and generosity of spirit.

In an email to UB Libraries staff, Evviva Weinraub Lajoie, vice provost for university libraries, urged staff to honor’s Lohr’s legacy “by trying to incorporate her collegial spirit, kindness, generosity and dedication in everything we do. She was an inspiration to many for these reasons,” Lajoie wrote, “and I know she will continue to inspire us in these ways even in her passing.”

Lohr was a member of the Archivists and Librarians in the History of the Health Sciences, the American Association for the History of Medicine and the Western New York Library Resources Council, and secretary/treasurer of the Friends of the Health Sciences Library.

She received a BA and MA in French from the University at Albany, with a New York State teaching certificate in French.

Memorials may be made to the Robert L. Brown History of Medicine Collection, the American Cancer Society or the SPCA Serving Erie County.