News Archive
In memoriam:
Eva Marand, Professor of Chemical Engineering
(June 23, 2014)
Eva Marand, 55, of Blacksburg, Virginia, Professor of Chemical Engineering at
Virginia Tech, beloved mother of Alena Clarke, Alex Marand, and Anika Marand,
and exceptional wife of Herve Marand,daughter of Vera and Pierre Dobrovolny,
sister to Lucie Casiello,and friend of many, passed away at sunrise on June
22nd 2014,surrounded by her family in her home and sanctuary in the Catawba
valley. As Eva took her final breath, the birds awokeand began to sing.
Eva was a scholar, a teacher, a storyteller, a caregiver, a romantic, an avid reader,
a lover of British murder mystery movies and a dreamer. She touched many lives,
which was apparent from the sheer number of visitors and well-wishers who appeared by her side or called to say goodbye over the course of her final days.
Eva was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, and came to the United States with her parents and little sister in 1969. Her family landed in Chicago with the help of many other Czech families. Always proud of her roots, Eva sought opportunities to build ties with those still in the Czech Republic, leading to such professional collaborations as those with scientists at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Prague.
Eva excelled at everything she set her mind to. In high school, she set and held for over 20 years, a school record in track and field. She was also very active in competitive gymnastics. Eva graduated Valedictorian from Riverside-Brookfield High School, in Riverside, Illinois, and with honors from the University of Illinois. After completing her doctorate in Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Eva worked at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, for two years and was hired in 1989 at Virginia Tech, first as a Post-doctoral Fellow, and subsequently as an Instructor. In 1992, she became an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, receiving tenure and promotion to the Associate level in 1999 and Full Professorship in 2008. She holds five patents, has edited two books, and has published approximately 70 papers, which have garnered more than 2000 citations. One of her most recent achievements includes the award of a Fulbright Scholarship to return to the Czech Republic. Over the years Eva has mentored a number of bright students who have, and will continue to carry on her legacy in the area of separation science. More recently, Eva enjoyed taking art and graphic design courses at Virginia Tech, bringing home her various treasures to share with her family.
Like her parents, Eva was an exceptional life- and motivational coach to her children. She demanded excellence, but provided her unconditional support. For that her children are eternally grateful.
To remember her, Eva asked for neither tears nor flowers, but instead to consider a donation to NRV Cares, www. NRVcares.org.
With love we remember Eva forever and ever.
-Eva's family