Dr. Beryl J. Scoles died at her home in Malibu on Nov. 5 with her family by her side. She was 89 years old.
Born in Middletown, New York on April 21, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Hudspeth and Bernice Wilson Scoles. Scoles grew up in New Mexico, Arizona and Oregon, and graduated from Laurelwood Academy in Easton, Oregon, in 1943. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing education from University of Pittsburgh in 1951, attained a masters degree in nursing from The University of Washington in 1953 and attained her Ph.D. in educational psychology from UCLA in 1986.
Scoles dedicated her professional career to education in nursing and medicine. Her work included directing the nursing program at California Lutheran University and working at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles as a supervisor in staff development for nearly 20 years. Formerly married to world-renowned autism researcher and psychologist Dr. Ivar Lovaas, she raised her four children while working full-time and completing her Ph.D.
Scoles was an outspoken advocate for civil rights, racial and gender equality, and prison reform. A Malibu resident since 1965, Scoles was active in her community. She was also a world traveler and spent her retirement years globe trotting with family and friends to China, Thailand, India, Turkey, the South Pacific and Europe.
“Beryl’s love, laughter, kindness, and gentle, joyful spirit will be remembered and held forever in the hearts of all who knew her,” a loved one said.
She is survived by daughter Randi McAfee and husband Sean, daughter Lisa Lovaas and husband Brian Dijker, daughter Kari Cole and husband Dale, son Erik Lovaas and his fiancé Mabel Duron, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A private celebration of her life will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Meals on Wheels Association of America or another charity.