Obituary of Dorothy Bella Berner

Dorothy Bella Berner, 96, formerly of Philadelphia, died December 19^th at her residence in Brunswick ME.

A longtime resident of the Philadelphia area, she graduated from Germantown Friends School and Mount Holyoke college. She went on to earn a Master’s degree at Cornell University and a PHD in Biology at University of Pennsylvania.

From the mid 1960’s through the 1980’s Dorothy was a tenured professor of biology at Temple University where she taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses. She conducted extensive research with microscopic fresh water animals and was credited with both the discovery and reclassification of several species. Dorothy retired as an Emeritus Professor and received grants to continue her research and consulting throughout the world. She was a visiting scholar at various universities, including Harvard University and the University of Adelaide.

Dorothy fully retired to Brunswick Maine where she enjoyed landscaping, collecting local art, and reading. She volunteered weekly at the Curtis Library in the children’s department and was active in programs at People Plus community center.

She is survived by her three sons, David Platt of Mountain View California, Christopher Platt of Bend Oregon, and Jonathan Platt of Fernandina Beach Florida; four grandsons Nathan, Tyler, Andrew, and Colin.

Dorothy requested that there be no services upon her passing. Donations may be made in her name to People Plus, 35 Union Street, PO Box 766, Brunswick ME 04011