Lucy Mayer Lopata, a longtime Washington University donor and St. Louis-area philanthropist, died Friday, May 24, 2013. She was 98.
The Lopata name is seen frequently around the Washington University Danforth Campus, including in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, with Lopata Hall, the Lopata Gallery and Stanley’s Café, named after Mrs. Lopata’s late husband, Stanley L. Lopata, a 1935 College of Arts & Sciences alumnus and former university Trustee. Pratim Biswas, PhD, is the Lucy & Stanley Lopata Professor and chair of the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, and Igor Efimov, PhD, is the Lucy & Stanley Lopata Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering.
Elsewhere at the university, their names adorn the Lopata Courtyard in Simon Hall, Lopata Plaza and the Lucy & Stanley Lopata House in The Village housing community. In addition, the Lopata Classic, a men’s basketball tournament, is held annually in the fall.
“It is very clear that Lucy and the Lopata name will live forever at Washington University through so many different venues — from buildings, galleries, and cafés, to professorships and close personal friendships with many on the faculty and staff,” says Ralph S. Quatrano, PhD, the Spencer T. Olin Professor and dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science. “Lucy has meant so much to this school — her generosity, engagement and warm personality have always been very obvious, even as late as mid-April. We will all miss her at these events, but the Lopata name will remain in all of its glory.”
Mrs. Lopata had many friends at the university, including Frank Yin, MD, PhD, professor and past chair of biomedical engineering, and his wife, Grace. Mrs. Lopata “adopted” the Yins as her own family. The Yins often took her out, brought her to university events, and attended Mrs. Lopata’s annual family holiday dinner.
Mrs. Lopata was born in Germany and attended school in Switzerland. For more than 70 years, she and her husband earned a reputation as two of the most generous and engaged people in the St. Louis area, supporting philanthropic, cultural and civic projects. Mrs. Lopata was a past president of the Jewish Federation Women’s Division and was involved in countless philanthropic organizations.
A private family service was held May 27.
Mrs. Lopata is survived by four children and their spouses: Steven and Frances Lopata, James and SuAnne Lopata, Lusette “Andy” and Edgar Smith, and Roger and Cynthia Lopata; four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a sister, and other family. Memorial contributions or service may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Beth Miller, School of Engineering & Applied Science writer contributed this obituary.
