Miriam Rose Sacksteder-Fanshaw, 83, of Tiffin, died Friday morning, December 26, 2008 at St. Francis Home of Tiffin.

On August 10, 1925 in Tiffin, she was born to Andrew H. and Catherine (Carrigan) Sacksteder. She married Lawrence Fanshaw on October 20, 1979 in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tiffin.

Miriam is survived by her husband of 29 years, Lawrence, step-son, Lawrence Jeffrey (Terri) Fanshaw of Boynton Beach, FL, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step son, Christopher Fanshaw, sister, Katherine Louise Sacksteder and brothers, James Louis, Robert Paul, Richard George, and Thomas J. Sacksteder.

A world renowned Scientist and pioneer in the development of germfree animals used for cancer research, Miriam graduated from Tiffin Calvert High School in 1945, obtained her B.S. from Mary Manse College in Toledo in 1949 and her M.S. from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1980 and graduated from the Gemological Institute of America in 1985.

Her career started as a Lab Tech at Sunny Acres County Tuberculosis Hospital in Cleveland from 1949-1950, a Research Associate for Lobund Institute of Notre Dame University from 1950-1959, later as a Research Associate for the Germfree Life Research Center in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale from 1959-1972 and as an instructor in the Life Sciences Center at Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1971, until her retirement. She contributed over 30 scientific publications on germfree study in animals, was Past President of the Board of Trustees for the Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research in Plantation, FL; and the American Society of Microbiologists.

Miriam was a humble hero in everyway, using her talents and gifts quietly and behind the scenes to move forward the research of cancers to better humanity. This truly gifted woman will be missed by her family and scientists around the world.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 12:00 - Noon, Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at St. Francis Home Chapel with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. Burial will be in Monticello Memorial Park in Charlottesville, VA.

Friends may visit with the family on 10:30 - Noon, Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at St. Francis Home Chapel prior to mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Home or Community Hospice Care.

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Letters of condolence may be sent and the guest book signed at hgmackfuneralhome.com