In Memoriam: Dr. Gilda Crozier
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In Memoriam: Dr. Gilda Crozier
Gilda Coppola Crozier, OD ‘43, FAAO, a trailblazer, innovator and teacher extraordinaire at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), passed away Friday, Oct. 9 at the age of 99.
Dr. Crozier, wife of George H. Crozier, OD ‘49 — associate dean of Academic Affairs who would leave a lasting mark on PCO — began her academic career as a clinical instructor at the college before joining the faculty in the field of anatomy in 1945. Her father-in-law was John E. Crozier, OD, FAAO, a founding member of PCO, and her brother-in-law was John J. Crozier, OD ’48, FAAO, former vice president and dean of Student Affairs.
Over the years, she taught ocular anatomy, micro anatomy and vertebrate embryology. Dr. Crozier developed and introduced a number of courses, including normal and abnormal development of the eye, ocular biology and neuro anatomy. Along with Dr. Onofrey “Rybie” Rybochok and Harold Zimmerman, OD ‘30, FAAO, Dr. Crozier was also responsible for changing the curriculum and introducing neuro anatomy at PCO/Salus, which continued thanks in part of the work of Dr. Lorraine Lombardi, professor emerita.
Dr. Crozier is survived by her daughter, Georgia Crozier, OD ‘84, MS ‘87, and son-in-law John J. Fitzgerald III, DO, FACOG, associate director of Salus University’s Physician Assistant Studies program; and three granddaughters, Catena Crozier-Fitzgerald, OD ‘14 (Christopher Brightbill, OD ‘14), Francesca Crozier-Fitzgerald, MA, MEd ‘19 (Andrea Coiro) and Giovanna Crozier-Fitzgerald.
