Elizabeth A Duell

Elizabeth Ann Duell, age 86, passed away peacefully at St. Leonard’s Hospice Assisted Living Memory Care on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Elizabeth was born January 9, 1936, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late John and Christine (Kunkel) Duell.

Elizabeth is survived by her two brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Barbara of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Norbert and Kathleen of Casstown, Ohio. She is also survived by two nieces and three nephews, David (Karen) of Bellbrook Ohio, Diane (Frank) of Richmond, Virginia, Catherine of Springboro, Ohio, Christopher of Bellbrook, Ohio, and Matthew of New York City, New York. She is also survived by five great nieces and nephews, two great, great nephews and her long-time friends, Cynthia Marcelo and Judy Schmitt.

Elizabeth received her B.S. from the University of Dayton, in 1958, and her Ph.D. in biological chemistry from Case Western Reserve University in 1967. She did post-doctoral research at the University of Washington in Seattle and she also did research at the University of California-Davis. She joined the University of Michigan faculty as an instructor in 1970 and was quickly promoted to assistant professor in 1972.

Elizabeth's research focused on defining the normal control mechanisms in the epidermis to determine what abnormalities occur in various diseases, such as psoriasis. The goal was to provide specific, improved treatment of diseases of the skin. Elizabeth initially investigated the second messenger systems in the epidermis; she studied the metabolism of retinoid and vitamin D, the effects of UV light on the antioxidant enzyme systems, and generation of free radicals on these systems. She was instrumental in the discovery of Retinol-A. Her research resulted in over 5,237 citations and over 1,958 publications and chapters in books. She was well-known for giving her presentations at international meetings. Among her many awards were the prestigious Taub Award for Psoriasis Research in 1973 from the University of Michigan and the Special Achievement Award from the University of Dayton.

Elizabeth taught undergraduate biochemistry courses and served on departmental committees in biological chemistry and dermatology. She was active in various faculty governance committees, served as an officer in the University of Michigan chapter of Sigma Xi, and was Co-chair of the Academic Women's Caucus. She participated on several thesis committees and was a research advisor to students and resident physicians. She has been a role model for women in science, a mentor for post-doctoral students, and a champion for the development of individuals interested in careers in science. As a distinguished teacher and researcher, she retired from the University of Michigan in July, 2000, and was awarded Assistant Professor Emerita of Dermatology.

Elizabeth was a devout member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor for over 30 years. She volunteered at the church whenever she could, assisting with organizing the dinners for funeral services.

Elizabeth will be greatly missed by her many relatives and friends whose lives she touched.

The family will receive friends and family from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, at St. Leonard’s Chapel, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Leonard’s Chapel, 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville, Ohio 45458. Celebrant is Father James Duell, her first cousin. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.