Renee Royak-Schaler

Renee Royak-Schaler, 64, of Ellicott City, Md., died May 22, 2011. She was born in Newark.

Dr. Royak-Schaler was associate professor of epidemiology and public health, and director of the master’s in public health program at University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore. Her research focused on disparities of cancer care, including psychosocial and behavioral factors associated with early detection, prevention, and survivorship care practices of minorities.

She graduated from Hillside High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from George Washington University, Washington, DC, and her master’s degree in human development and doctoral degree in health education from University of Maryland, College Park.

She was involved in the social action committee of Beth Am Synagogue in Baltimore and the Black/Jewish Forum of Baltimore.

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She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Schaler; her daughter, Magda Schaler-Haynes of Montclair; three brothers, Kevin of Clearwater, Fla., Jules of Glen Rock, and Adam of Pinellas Park, Fla.; a sister, Carla Royak Volturo of Princeton, Mass.; and two grandchildren.

Services were held May 25 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union. Memorial contributions may be made to her research efforts; make checks payable to UMBF, Inc., stating “Renee Royak-Schaler” in the subject line, and send to Patricia Bates, University of Md. School of Medicine, Development Office, 100 N. Greene Street, Suite 600, Baltimore, MD 21201; or visit www.fundformedicine.org and specify “Renee Royak-Schaler” on the “Make a Gift” page.