Olga R. Beaver, 70
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Olga Rozinak Beaver, 70, of 100 Southworth St.,died the morning of Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at her home in the presence of loved ones.
Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, on Nov. 12, 1942, a daughter of Achill Josef and Zora Marie Liska Rozinak, she attended schools in Prague and, in 1949, a year after the Communist government took over, her family escaped to West Germany. After living in displaced persons camps for two years and nine months in London, she came with her family to the United States in 1952.
She attended Smith College and Southern Connecticut State College. She graduated from the University of Missouri in Kansas City with a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1968, received her master of science degree in mathematics in 1970 and earned her doctorate in mathematics from the University of Massachusetts in 1979.
Professor Beaver taught math at Williams College from July 1, 1979, until her illness in 2012. She was a member of the American Mathematical Society, the Association for Women in Mathematics and, in 1992, the second winner of the AWM's Louise Hay Award for contributions to mathematics education.
At Williams, Professor Beaver, or "Ollie" as she preferred, was very active on various committees, including chairing the Steering Committee, and for many years the Winter Study Committee. She also chaired the Mathematics Department for six years, and either hired or was on the hiring committee for all current mathematics faculty. She directed the Summer Science Program for 10 years and taught in it every summer for more than 25 years.
Her passions included teaching mathematics, cooking, gardening, reading, and interior design. She enjoyed traveling to Prague twice every year since 1992, and was delighted to have her Czech citizenship reinstated.
She leaves her husband, Donald deBlasiis Beaver, whom she married on Sept. 15, 1962; two sons, Donald R. Beaver of Pittsburgh and James deB. Beaver of Philadelphia; a sister, Petra R. Emerman, and five grandchildren, Donald W. Beaver, Noah N. Weissmueller, Rachael L. Beaver, Morgan K. Beaver and Kyle R. Beaver.
FUNERAL NOTICE - At Professor Beaver's request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations in her memory may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or Berkshire Hematology Oncology, both of Pittsfield in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.