A graveside service for Mrs. Andrew (Mary Elizabeth Fields) DuMez, widow of a former Dean of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, will be held at Green Mount Cemetery. Mrs. DuMez died unexpectedly on January 29, 1976 in Hot Springs, Arkansas at the age of 87.

The former Mary Elizabeth Fields was born February 12, 1889 in Fowler, Indiana, daughter of Henry R. and Lettie (Hixson) Fields. (According to the 1910 Census report, Mary and her family lived in Olney, where Mary taught English in the public schools.) She married Andrew G. DuMez June 9, 1912 in Richland County.

She attended college in Boston, where she majored in physical education. After receiving her B.A. degree, she taught at Oklahoma State University where she met her husband.

Soon after their marriage, Dr. and Mrs. DuMez went to the Philippine Islands. There, Dr. DuMez helped to found the College of Pharmacy of the University of the Philippines. Upon the couples’ return to the U.S., Dr. DuMez worked in the Hygienic Laboratory of the U.S. Public Health Service. In 1926, he was appointed Dean of the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy. He held the position until his death in 1948.

Mrs. DuMez was active in many local and national pharmaceutical organizations. She was honorary president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland Pharmaceutical Association, the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Pharmaceutical Association and the Alumni Association of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

She was past president of the “Friends of Historical Pharmacy”, an organization interested in preserving and maintaining the pre-Revolutionary Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in Fredricksburg, VA. Mrs. DuMez was also a member of the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy.

In addition, she held membership in the Camp and Hospital Service of the American Red Cross, the Council of State Mental Hospitals Association, the Women’s Club of Roland Park and past president of the Women’s City Club.

Mrs. DuMez also served as a member of the Maryland Council of State Mental Hospital Auxiliary and Coordinator of Volunteer Services for Rosewood State Hospital.

There are no survivors.

The Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – Friday, February 6, 1976