Dr. Donna B. Cosulich
93, died peacefully on December 26, 2011 at University Medical Center, Tucson, surrounded by close friends. Donna was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and raised in Tucson. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. degree and Master's Degree in chemistry and earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Stanford University.
In 1952, as one of a team of 16 pharmaceutical chemists, Donna synthesized and patented the compound methotrexate which has been used extensively in the treatment of leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis. In 1954, she was the recipient of the Iota Sigma Pi award, top honor of the chemists' sorority which is awarded only once every three years. Donna was recognized with numerous other honors gaining national and international acclaim.
Donna lived life to the fullest and enjoyed a host of outdoor sports activities. In her later years, she was an avid game player, especially bridge. A passionate music lover and accomplished singer, she became a faithful devotee of the Metropolitan Opera and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
As a member of St. Philips in the Hills, Tucson, Donna channeled her concern for environmental issues into forming the Green Team and visualized a solar array for St. Philip's which has materialized as a result of an anonymous donation with completion expected by spring, 2012.
Donna is survived by a half-sister, Gilberta Cosulich Guth Peirson; nephews, Joseph, John, and Daniel Guth; a niece, Lesley Guth Reed, and God-daughter, Catherine Schwab June. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Philip's in the Hills on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, 2175 North 6th Avenue, Tucson, 85705 or the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, Tucson, 85718. Arrangements by NEPTUNE SOCIETY.