Dr. Elizabet Kraus Dumont, retired professor
Dr. Elizabeth M. Kraus Dumont, 83, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, after a short illness. Elizabeth (Liz) was born Aug. 2, 1929, in Chatham, N.J. Previously deceased are her parents Elizabeth Kraus (nee Davis) and Charles A. Kraus. Her younger brother Karl (Skip) J. Kraus passed before her in 2010 at age 77.
Liz is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Lewis A. Dumont and her daughter Mrs. Karleen (Karly) E Becker and son-in-law Mr. Jay Becker, both of New Fairfield, Conn. and Palm Beach Gardens Fla., and Dr. John V. Dumont of Ringoes, N.J.; and her faithful dog Jenna.
Liz graduated summa cum laude from The College of Saint Elizabeth, and earned her masters degree in music from Julliard and her doctorate in philosophy from Fordham University. She taught as professor of philosophy at Seton Hall University from 1962 through 1966, and continued teaching philosophy at Fordham University from 1967 to 1990, retiring as a full professor. She changed Fordham University by achieving status as the first woman professor of the Fordham University Philosophy Department. She had a very gratifying career mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and being a passionate role model, especially for the women students. She enjoyed being a teacher, scholar, author, friend to many, devoted wife and mother of two children.
In addition to her academic career, Liz pursued archaeology with her husband Lew and Seton Hall University, making significant contributions to understanding the Native American prehistory of the Delaware River Valley Region and in other locations throughout New York State. After retiring to Georgetown from Monroe, N.Y., Liz and Lew focused their interests on ornithological pursuits, including assisting various national not-for-profit birding societies documenting bird counts for publicly released surveys. They spent many hours together gazing through binoculars and participating in surveys at Prime Hook and Rehoboth Beach. These birding opportunities also led them to travel to Texas, Alaska, and Maine. During these travels Liz developed her nature photography talents, winning awards for her nature pictures. She had an unending love for the outdoors and involvement with many nature conservancy programs. During her time in Georgetown she also became involved in the Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels program. Lew was her driver, companion and loving husband throughout their travels local and far. Liz had a long, rich, and varied life that touched many people. She will be missed by her many friends and her loving memory will be forever cherished by her husband Lew, and her children Karly and John.
A visitation will be held at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 North Bedford St., Georgetown, from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday Oct. 26. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, 202 Edwards St., Georgetown, followed by a luncheon with family.
In lieu of flowers, please make a tax deductible donation In Memoriam Elizabeth Dumont at the American Bird Conservancy website: https://www.abcbirds.org/membership/memoriam.cfm
