Dr. Moira Breen

Dr. Moira Breen, 100, died peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2024 at her home in Libertyville, Illinois. Moira’s long life was full of challenges and accomplishments, and she met every obstacle with fierce determination. Moira was born on December 18, 1923 in Madras (now Chennai) India. She was a graduate of the University of Madras, and left India to come to the United States in 1949, sponsored by Vassar College. There she received her Master’s Degree in Physiology, and later earned her PhD in Biochemistry from Northwestern University Medical School in 1960. After her doctorate, Moira worked for some years as an assistant professor of physiology at Northwestern Medical School, a research associate at both the University of Virginia Medical School and the University of Chicago, and held positions at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the Harvard School of Public Health. From 1965 until her retirement in 1988, Moira was a biomedical research scientist at the North Chicago VA Hospital. In addition, Moira was a member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, as well as other scientific societies and associations. Over the course of her distinguished career she published numerous scientific papers, abstracts, and book chapters in the field of medical research. Yet amidst all her professional and academic achievements, Moira would often say that she was most proud of achieving her personal goal of owning her own home, a dog and a cat. Over the years she rescued many lucky Sheltie dogs and numerous cats. A kind and generous person, Moira made lifelong friends who enjoyed her company, her stories, and her hospitality. Her winter birthday parties and summer barbecues were happy events. Moira was a beloved member of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, Libertyville, where she was an active member of the Young Episcopal Seniors (YES) Group. She was a lifelong learner with a keen intellect, she enjoyed crosswords and reading scientific journals. In later years she took up painting through weekly art classes at the Libertyville Senior Center, where she also attended exercise classes until the end of her life. Moira is survived by her cousin Janet Lynch and family (Australia), her cousin Susan Newey Kristiansen (Norway), her dear friends Ruth Buehrer and Shelly Taylor, her devoted caregiver Nila Horton, her St. Lawrence Church family, and many good friends and neighbors. A memorial service, followed by interment in the columbarium, will be held on Saturday, February 10, at 12 noon at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church Street, Libertyville. A celebratory reception will follow the service. For live funeral footage, please visit link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85951776213#success Donations honoring Moira may be made to St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, the Libertyville Senior Center, or Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue www.illinoissheltierescue.com Arrangements are by the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. Info: 847-362-3009 or please share a memory at www.burnettdane.com

Dr. Moira Breen

December 18, 1923 - January 26, 2024