Marie Cross

Marie Z. Cross, longtime resident of Lawrence, died June 21, 2010.
Dr. Cross was born January 8 1921, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.  She attended the University of Wisconsin and later became the first female biochemistry PhD in that school’s history.  She moved to Lawrence in 1949 to become a Professor of Nutrition at the University of Kansas, in the department that became Human Development and Family Life.  She married Frank B. Cross on November 24, 1954.
After taking some time off to raise their three children, Dr. Cross returned to teaching at KU.   A much beloved professor, she was honored with the Chancellors Club Career Teaching Award in 1990.  Upon realizing the difficulties of living with a disability (adrenoleukodystrophy), she became active in disabled support activities in the community and in 1987 received the Multiple Sclerosis Society Mother of the Year Award.
She was a very giving, loving and strong individual who will be missed greatly by many. Survivors include son Frank in Austin, TX, daughters Betty Sue in Kirkwood, MO and Julie in Madison, CT, and three grandchildren, Kendra, Jemma, and Jeremy.
Memorials may be made to the United Leukodystrophy Foundation, 2304 Highland Dr., Sycamore, IL 60178, 800-728-5483;  (ULF.org), or the charity of your choice.
Family and friends are invited to sign an online registry at www.warrenmcelwain.com/obituaries.cfm. A memorial service honoring Marie Cross will be held this fall, date to be announced.