Obituaries

Obituary: Northwestern Doctor and Professor Leon Carrow, 89

Leon Carrow, a doctor and faculty member at Northwestern University, died April 10, 2013, at his home in Evanston.

Leon A. Carrow, M.D., a distinguished member of the medical faculty of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, died April 10, 2013 at his home in Evanston, IL. Dr. Carrow was 89 years old. 

Dr. Carrow was Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University until his retirement from both private practice and teaching responsibilities in 1991. He also served as a consultant to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago from 1955 to 1991. 

Dr. Carrow was perhaps best known for his strong management and analytical skills, which he brought to bear on the governance of various aspects of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Northwestern Memorial Corporation from 1988 to 1996 when he was elected a Life Member of the Board. 

He also was a Director of the Northwestern Memorial Foundation, the founding chairman of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Corporation and served as Chief of Staff from 1976 to 1978. 

Dr. Carrow received his B.S. and M.D. degrees from The University of Chicago and served his internship at Cook County Hospital and Chicago Lying-In-Hospital. He was a Resident and Fellow at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital and the Chicago Maternity Center from 1949-1951. Following military service as an Air Force Captain, Dr. Carrow joined the faculty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern in 1953. He was recognized for his outstanding compassionate care, delivering over 7000 babies, and authored articles in professional journals throughout his career. 

A prolific writer and gifted photographer, Dr. Carrow was a frequent presenter at meetings of the Chicago Literary Club, of which he served as President from April 2003 to March 2004. He also had been an active volunteer for the Executive Service Corps and a former Trustee of New Trier Township. 

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joan Twaddell Carrow, one child Elizabeth Jeffries from his marriage to the late Marilyn Carrow, a son James preceded him in death, two stepdaughters Sandra Locke and Anita Philipsborn and five grandchildren, Jon (Becca) Philipsborn, Casey Philipsborn, Maggie Philipsborn, Jake Carrow and Ellie Carrow and one great grandchild Michael Philipsborn. 

Memorial services will be held at Jeanne Vail Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL., 60208, on April 21st at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Northwestern Memorial Foundation, the Carrow Family Endowment Fund at Denison University which supports the Posse Foundation, the Chicago Literary Club or the charity of your choice.

This obituary was reprinted with permission from Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home.

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