In Memoriam

“It is with the greatest sadness to let you know that MaryFran passed away after a vigorous battle with cancer. She applied the same drive and determination as we have all seen these many years, but the final outcome was inevitable and came all too quickly. Her enormous work ethic and intellect will be sorely missed. We have lost one of the original stalwarts of SWAN, and will feel the loss deeply.”
      -- Dr. John F. Randolph

Ann Arbor, MI – MaryFrances (Roy) Sowers, 64, passed away July 17, 2011 in her Ann Arbor home. MaryFran was a distinguished Professor of Epidemiology for the School of Public Health, University of Michigan with extensive research work for Women‘s Health as the Director of the Center for Integrated Approaches to Complex Diseases. MaryFran was the daughter of the late Robert and Edwina (Cooper) Roy and proceeded in death by her sister Alice Roy, and the family dog Murphy. She is survived by her spouse Ray Sowers, son Paul, sister Betty Ann Roy, brother, John A. Roy (Dana), brother/sister-in-law FW (Juanita) Sowers, sister-in-law Peggy Brock; and several nieces and nephews.

The family requests donations as a memorial gift to the Foundation for Women‘s Cancer specialization in education, prevention, and cure of reproductive cancer in lieu of flowers. If you prefer, you may mail your deductible contribution to: Foundation for Women‘s Cancer, 230 W. Monroe, Suite 2528, Chicago, Il. 60606-4703.

Dr. MaryFran Sowers Memorial Symposium

A Symposium was held on October 12, 2011 to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Sowers. Click here to view information about the Symposium, and click here to view memories shared by the students of Dr. Sowers.

Dr. MaryFran Sowers Publications

Click here to view a complete list of publications by Dr. MaryFran Sowers.