Dr. Francesca Von Stein, Nobel-Prize Winner and Pioneer of Human Cryopreservation, Dies at 87
Dr. Francesca Von Stein, brilliant scientist and medical researcher in the fields of bioengineering and cryogenics, died on Thursday night in her sleep of a brain aneurism.
In her prime, Dr. Von Stein was one of the top bioengineers in world. She won a Nobel Prize 55 years ago for her successful reanimation of a cryopreserved human being.
Dr. Von Stein never married, though she had been engaged at the time of her highly controversial discovery. Some mild scandal surrounded her when her fiancé called off the wedding only minutes before it was to begin, and she spent some years in isolation afterward. She reemerged after her seclusion with a renewed passion (some claimed obsession) for her work.
Her return to work was accompanied by the sudden and publicized discovery of a long-lost cousin, Victor Von Stein, her only remaining relative. The two became very close and were for many years rarely seen apart, fueling rumors about Dr. Von Stein's quirky and reclusive nature, as well as whispers about an incestuous romance or illegal activities. No such rumors were ever confirmed, however.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Ellaine Von Stein, who died when she was in medical school, her cousin Victor, and his son, Henry.
She is survived by Victor Von Stein, the grandson of her cousin, and her companion and caretaker for the last twelve years. Mr. Von Stein has a master's degree in Sports Medicine from the University of California and is a physical therapist and personal trainer. Acquaintances say the two had a very close, grandmotherly sort of bond.
The funeral will be held on Sunday at Unity Funeral Chapel at 1 p.m. A memorial for friends and close acquaintances will follow at her home in Manhattan.
**********
(Word count: 309)
YOU ARE READING
Monster
Science FictionVictor has never considered himself a monster. Sure, he came into the world in a somewhat unconventional way, and maybe he doesn't have all of his original organs. And he still looks 30 at 53 (or is it 83?). But his sole purpose in life has been...
