Janey Studt Symington

Janey Studt Symington, of Washington, D.C. died peacefully in her home on April 1; she was 97. The daughter of Jane Sante Studt and Sidney Melchior Studt, she was born Janey Belle Studt, June 29, 1928 and grew up in Clayton and Creve Coeur, Missouri where her family were farmers and civic leaders. Her passion for the world of nature was lifelong; at the age of five, her mother recalled an eager “Oh Mama!” whenever a new wildflower, bird or bug was found. Her homes were always surrounded by trees and flowers. She also developed a lasting love of performing, with regular appearances on a radio program “The Careful Children’s Club” at age seven.

Mrs. Symington attended the John Burroughs School in suburban St. Louis, where she was an outstanding scholar, athlete and musician, then Vassar College, where she majored in Plant Science. She completed her Ph.D. in Botany at Harvard University in 1956 while expecting her third child. Her scientific career was spent at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Washington University in St. Louis, and St. Louis University, where she retired as Associate Research Professor. She authored many publications in her field, served on the boards of numerous scientific organizations, and was a founding curator of the St. Louis Science Center.

Married on June 21, 1949, the home Dr. Symington and her husband Stuart (Tim) made was the scene of colorful and lively activities for their four children and many friends. She loved fishing, camping, gardening and entertaining. An eager fan, she would often be found in a rinkside seat, cheering on her children or her favorite St. Louis Blues. She was also devoted to the arts, serving on the founding board of the Theater Project Company of St. Louis and participating in many other arts organizations. And she contributed adroitly to the election campaigns of her father-in-law, Senator Stuart Symington and brother-in-law, Congressman James Symington with speaking engagements all over the state of Missouri. Devoted to her faith, she was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in St. Louis and Chapel by the Sea on her beloved Captiva Island, Florida.

Dr. Symington was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Stuart Symington, Jr. and their daughter Anne. She is survived by their three sons, W. Stuart, Sidney and John, ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was extraordinarily lovely, dynamic, uncompromising, thoughtful, caring and creative; loved and admired by all who knew her.