Mary Cash, Acton Resident Who Helped Develop Polio Vaccine, Dies at 90

The following obituary is from Acton Funeral Home:

Mary Elizabeth Austing Cash (Liz), age 90 of Acton, MA passed Sunday, January 4th, 2015 away after a fall on January 1st. She is survived by her son Alan Cash and daughter Maryann (Cash) Cassidy. Liz is also survived by her daughters-in-law Ellen Cash, Kathy Cash, and son-in-law Kurt Cassidy, and further by her grandchildren Emily Cash, Beth Cash, Alice Cash, Samantha Cash, Gretchen Cash, Liam Cassidy, and Maeve Cassidy. Liz was raised in Cincinnati, OH, and will be missed by her nephew, Gary Stockelman and nieces Lynn Schweitzer and Beth Boodram and their families. In addition to her family, Liz, a long-time resident of Acton, had many dear friends who she treasured deeply. She was pre-deceased by her husband Carl Cash, her son Kevin Cash, and her sister Janet Stockelman.

Liz was a “character.” She loved visiting with people, and had several careers. She graduated magnum cum laude from the College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati, OH in chemistry. She worked with both Doctors Salk and Sabine on developing and testing the polio vaccines. Liz married Carl Cash, of New York City, and enjoyed 51 years of marriage until Carl passed away from cancer. During her marriage, she was a loving mother of three children, a housewife, a teacher, and a highly successful real-estate broker. Liz enjoyed a good game of cards, especially bridge, and belonged to several bridge groups. She was active in the Acton Women’s Club, and later in the Acton Council on Aging.

Throughout her 90 years, Liz remained active and “enjoyed the party,” living independently and driving to her various functions until age 89. The last year was tough on her health, but she maintained her grace, humor and dignity throughout. She will be remembered fondly by many.

Family and friends are invited to the funeral Mass to be celebrated Friday, January 9th at 10:30am in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington Street, Acton. Burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sherborn, will be at a later date.

Liz was a proponent of scientific research, and as such her family asks that in lieu of flowers, please instead provide a donation to the Cash Memorial Fund, Inc. 683 Main Street, Bolton, MA 01740. The Cash Memorial Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation providing funds for cancer research, a subject dear to Liz’s heart.