June 20, 1921 - Sept. 30, 2009

Clara Brink Shoemaker died peacefully in her sleep Sept. 30 at her home in Corvallis.

She was born in Rolde, the Netherlands, in 1921, the younger daughter of a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church.

She excelled at school, and her parents, who were very supportive of their children's education, moved to Leiden so she and her sister could attend university. Awarded a scholarship, she studied chemistry and physics, and was active in student societies. Although her education was disrupted by the German occupation during World War II, she completed a doctorate in X-ray crystallography in 1950.

She held research posts in both Leiden and Oxford, and, in 1953, took up a position as research associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She worked there under the supervision of Professor David Shoemaker, forming a research partnership that was to last for 40 years. In 1955 they married, and a year later had a son, Robert. The family moved to Lexington, Mass., and Clara continued her research at MIT while raising their son.

In 1970, David was appointed chairman of the chemistry department at Oregon State University, and they moved to Corvallis. Clara became a research professor, and the two continued to travel to international scientific conferences, notably in China. They retired in 1984.

David died in 1995, shortly after their 40th wedding anniversary, and in 1999, Clara was the first homeowner to move into Stoneybrook retirement village in southwest Corvallis. There, she continued to engage in activities she had enjoyed throughout her life: reading, walking and identifying wildflowers (particularly in McDonald Forest), and traveling.

Her many friends came from the OSU Chemistry Department, the Dutch Club, Stoneybrook Village, and the League of Women Voters, which recently commemorated her 50 years of membership.

In June, she was diagnosed with cancer, an illness she faced with remarkable courage.

She is survived by her son, Robert, of Sheffield, England; and a grandson, Roland, a student at Reed College in Portland.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Reed College Annual Fund for Financial Aid for Students, 3203 S.E. Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202-8199.

Arrangements were made with DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home and Crematory, www.demossdurdan.com.