Iona Mae Reynolds

" Iona Mae Reynolds, 82, of Church St. in the Thorndike section of Palmer, died April 11 at home. Born in Springfield, April 20, 1919, she was the daughter of the late George L. and Mae (McDonough) Reynolds. She had previously lived in Springfield and Amherst before moving to Thorndike. Iona was a graduate of Palmer High School class of 1937 and received her BS in Bacteriology from Mass. State college in 1941. She received her masters in 1957 in Public Health . She began her career at New Britain Hospital, and in 1949 began her work at UMASS Amherst in the Dept. of Veterinary and Animal Science. She became an Assistant Professor in 1967. Iona was a member and advisor of IOTA Beta Chapter of Chi Omega since 1938. She was also a member of Sigma Xi, a scientific research society. She was also a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and the American College of Microbiology. She was a life member of the UMASS Alumni Association. Miss Reynolds received the Chancellor’s Award for distinguished service in 1985 for her more than 30 years as Professor of Microbiology in the Stockbridge School, and her dedication and commitment to her career. Iona was predeceased by 2 brothers Robert and G. Richard Reynolds and a sister Jessie Barkley. She is survived by her nephews and their families, Richard Barkley of Sedalia, MO, James R. Barkley and his wife Cathy, of Kerrville, TX, Paul R. Reynolds and his wife Sue of Mars, PA, and David C. Reynolds and his wife Eileen of Louisville, CO. She also leaves a sister in law Lois C. Reynolds. There will be a public memorial service at a time to be announced. Burial in the Oak Knoll Cemetery is private. The family requests that donations be made to the Iona Mae Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Gift Processing Office, UMASS Amherst, Memorial Hall, Amherst, MA 01003-9270. Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. "