Beatrice Novack Engelsberg, scientific researcher, editor and wordsmith, dies at 95

Beatrice Novack Engelsberg, 95, of Philadelphia, a longtime scientific researcher, a stickler regarding the English language, and a supporter of progressive social and religious efforts, died Monday, March 8, of Alzheimer’s disease at her home in Center City.

Intelligent and industrious, Mrs. Engelsberg worked as a scientific researcher until she was 75. Over her 50-year career, she labored in labs at the University of Pennsylvania, Hahnemann Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Rutgers University.

At Penn in the 1960s and ‘70s, she was part of a group studying cytochrome P450, enzymes that are essential for the metabolism of medications. Her role was often to formulate and execute lab experiments, and edit the conclusions for publication.

“She liked writing and words, so she liked to be the secretary of organizations she was involved with,” said her daughter Janet Novack. “She was great at taking notes and turning them into reports and papers.”

Born on Aug. 13, 1925, in South Philadelphia, Mrs. Engelsberg was the editor of her high school newspaper, and graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1943. She graduated from Penn’s College of Liberal Arts for Women in 1946.

She majored in chemistry at Penn, and, since so many men of college age were in the military during World War II, was able to take classes and receive instruction that had been unavailable to many women before her.

Her scientific aptitude was so apparent that her father, Dr. Morris Ginsburg, offered to pay her way through medical school. Instead, she married Paul Novack, who went on to be a cardiologist and associate professor at Hahnemann Medical College and who had grown up next door. They had two daughters, Janet and Ilene, and lived in Philadelphia until he died in 1966.

Later, she said that, while she was happy with her decision to marry and raise her children, she might have taken her father’s offer had times been different.

In addition to science, Mrs. Engelsberg immersed herself in history, literature, classical music, and the theater. She played tennis, attended lectures, and, later with her caregiver, Doreen McKenzie, went to history and exercise classes, and other events.

“She was all about continuous learning,” her daughter said.

Mrs. Engelsberg could not resist correcting those she heard or saw misusing the English language. But she made it clear she was correcting them, not passing judgment. Words were so important to her that she refused to allow her grandchildren to beat her in Scrabble.

She played classical piano, and performed duets with her second husband, Allan Engelsberg, who played the flute. They married in 1980 and he died in 1994. Later, she attended rehearsals by the Philadelphia Orchestra just to hear the music.

Always looking to right a wrong, Mrs. Engelsberg fought against a 1970 proposal by Penn to limit financial aid to children of university staff while retaining it in full for children of faculty. She was active in her synagogue, most recently Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel in Philadelphia, and spoke frequently about the importance of Jewish culture in American life.

She adored dogs, dished out wisecracks, and supported Doctors Without Borders, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and other progressive causes.

“She was incredibly tolerant,” her daughter said. “The only thing she couldn’t stand was intolerance.“

In addition to her daughters, Mrs. Engelsberg is survived by two grandchildren, and other relatives. A brother and sister died earlier.

A private service was held March 12.

Donations in her name may be made to Covenant House Pennsylvania, 31 E. Armat St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19144.