Ruth Judik Mayer

Dr. Ruth Judik Mayer. 
Ruth Judik Mayer, PhD, 60, passed away on March 17, 2018 at home in Chesterbrook, PA.    Ruth was born on April 15, 1957 to Rosette (Monasch) and Simon Ernest Mayer in Cambridge, MA and grew up in Lexington, MA, where competitive swimming, skiing, reading and attending to her father’s sailing were amongst her activities during these years.   She graduated from Lexington High School (1974), McGill University (1978, BS chemistry, with “Great Distinction”) and Cornell University (1983, MS, PhD, inorganic chemistry) followed by post-doctoral work learning molecular biology and enzymology at Penn State University in the lab of Professor Steven Benkovic.    In 1986 she began working at Smith, Kline & French Pharmaceuticals (now GlaxoSmithKline) outside of Philadelphia doing basic drug research.  She continued in various roles within the organization with increasing responsibility until her retirement in 2015.  At SKF/GSK Ruth demonstrated a great ability to be adaptable, to master new technologies and skills while remaining focused on careful conduct and interpretation of science for herself and other staff members.  Upon joining SKF, Ruth became better acquainted with Mark Levy, whom she married in 1990, and in 1993 their son Alexander Samuel was born.  Ruth loved to read, have a swim, go for a walk, a hike or bike ride, debate issues of the day, and travel with her family to destinations as varied as a warm beach, the mountains, national parks, and visiting family in the US, Israel and UK. 
Her remains have been cremated as per her wishes.  A celebration honoring her life will be held at a date to be determined.  To honor her memory the family suggests contributions to the Nature Conservatory or Doctors Without Borders.
Ruth is survived by her husband Dr. Mark Levy; son Alexander (Newport News, VA); brother Ralph (Sandra) of California, aunt Nina Mayer of Israel, brother-in-law Dr. Charles Levy of Washington DC, nephews David Mayer (Heather) of California, Daniel (Batyah) Mayer of Israel, Benjamin Levy and niece Rachel Levy both of California; cousins Daniella BarYosef (Ofer), Raphael Mayer (Tzipi), Benjamin (Liat) all of Israel and their collective children. 
Ruth will be greatly missed by her husband, son, many relatives, friends, associates, and acquaintances.