In Memoriam

On May 20, 1992, Alexandra Symonds, M.D., passed away of pancreatic cancer in her home in Dobbs Ferry, New York, at age 73. Her death was a terrible loss to psychoanalysis, the field of women's issues, and the many women and men whose lives she touched and enriched. Our deepest sympathies are extended to her family and her husband Martin Symonds, M.D., who is also a cherished colleague.

Any memorial of “Ally” must be a celebration of her life rather than a eulogy of her death, for that is the spirit in which she lived. Her vigor, enthusiasm, and love of life were felt by all who came in contact with her. She had a deep respect for life, for others, and most importantly for her own values, which were conveyed in many of her professional accomplishments. Her unwavering belief in women's rights and her ability to translate that belief into sound principles and action were an inspiration to her friends, colleagues, and mentees.

Dr. Symonds' professional, academic, and political accomplishments were many. She received a baccalaureate from New York University, a masters in psychology from the University of Wisconsin, and a medical degree from New York Medical College. She was certified in psychoanalysis in 1960 from the American Institute of Psychoanalysis of the Karen Horney Psychoanalytic Institute and Center.

Later, Dr. Symonds served on the faculty and as a training and supervising analyst at the same institute. She also was a president of the Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis. At the N.Y.U. School of Medicine, Dr. Symonds was Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry. She was a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a member and former treasurer and trustee of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis. In 1973, Dr. Symonds was chairperson and one of the motivating forces in the creation of the Academy's Committee on Psychoanalysis and Women. At the A.A.P.'s annual meeting in May 1992, Dr. Symonds was honored for her contributions to psychoanaly