Renowned Bacteriologist and Community Leader Birgitta Moylan Dies at 84

Birgitta Eivor Moylan, a prominent bacteriologist at Johns Hopkins University and a celebrated leader within the Swedish community in Baltimore, passed away on October 23, 2023, at her home in Homeland. She was 84 years old and succumbed to complications from congestive heart failure.

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Moylan was raised in a family that valued education and public service. Her father, Sigurd Valther Jansson, served as an executive for the Stockholm Tramways, while her mother, Irma Birgitta Andersson Jansson, owned a local restaurant named Fregatten. During her teenage years, she worked at her great-aunt’s general store on the island of Yxlan, located in Stockholm’s archipelago.

Moylan completed her education at Bromma Kommunala Flickskola in 1959, subsequently attending the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm to train as a bacteriologist. In 1963, she took a significant step in her career by relocating to Baltimore, where she joined the team at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her son, Stephan Moylan, reflected on her bold move, stating, “She took a huge chance in coming to Baltimore. She picked Johns Hopkins and said, ‘I’ve heard of that.’ She loved her job and loved to work.”

Throughout her career, Moylan made notable contributions to the field of allergy research. After raising her three children, she returned to work at the Bayview Medical Center, where she collaborated with renowned otolaryngologist Dr. Robert Naclerio at the asthma and allergy research center.

A Life of Community Service

Moylan’s involvement in the Swedish community was profound. She served as a matriarch of the Swedish Club in Baltimore and actively participated in the Sveaborg Society of Maryland, a local Swedish American organization. Her commitment to her heritage was evident in her engagement with various Lutheran churches throughout the city.

Moylan’s vibrant personality and love for social gatherings made her a cherished figure in her community. “She was a social butterfly. She was socially active until the day she died. She never stopped and was a person of action,” her son remarked. Her passion for cooking and entertaining was reflected in her extensive collection of cookbooks, and she was known for her ability to plan and host memorable meals.

Moylan’s personal life included a serendipitous meeting with her future husband, Martin Moylan, through a newspaper article about her work. A mutual friend facilitated their introduction, which began with a misunderstanding about Martin’s profession. “She mistakenly thought Martin was a truck driver because he talked about trucks,” Stephan explained. “Fortunately, her Swedish roommate later clarified that he was a lawyer, and their future was sealed.”

The couple shared a rich life together until Martin’s passing in 2019. Birgitta Moylan is survived by her two sons, Judge Stephan Moylan of Oakland in Garrett County and Christopher Moylan of Stockholm, Sweden; a daughter, Martina Dilks, of Baltimore; a sister, Maja Berg, of Degeberga, Sweden; a brother, Christer Jansson, of Stockholm; and seven grandchildren.

The family has indicated that service arrangements will be announced at a later date. Birgitta Moylan’s legacy will be remembered through her contributions to science and her unwavering dedication to her community.