Obituary of Elsie Buff

Elsie Estere Buff, 89, passed away February 5, 2010 in Jacksonville, Fl. She was born in upstate New York but spent most of her adult life in Louisiana and Florida. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane University and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Virology from LSU Medical Center. Ms. Buff was employed by the federal government as a microbiologist, based in New Orleans, for 21 years. In 1965, she accepted the position of Chief Virologist for the Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville and served in that capacity until her retirement in 2000. Ms. Buff was known nationally and internationally for her contributions in clinical virology during her 46 years in the profession she loved. In addition to her public health service, she served as a Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteer for almost two decades, well into her retirement years. Ms. Buff often said, "Knowledge is only good when it is given away."



Ms. Buff was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. She is survived by another sister, Charlotte Helprin of Saratoga Springs, NY as well as nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 15th at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 8940 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, with a reception for friends and family immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ms. Elsie E. Buff to Meals-on-Wheels of Jacksonville in care of Fort Caroline Presbyterian Church or the Salvation Army.