Marguerite Braymer, 85, Questar Corp. co-founder By Herb Drill INQUIRER CORRESPONDENT Marguerite Adams Dodd Braymer, 85, c of Solebury Township, who had multiple careers as author, editor and cofounder of a well-known Bucks County company, died Sunday at Doylestown Hospital. She had suffered the last in a series of heart attacks. Mrs. Braymer and her husband, Lawrence, founded Questar Corp., an optical firm based in New Hope, in 1950. After his death in 1965, she continued as president until 1976 and as chairwoman until her death. In 1980, she and Dr. Douglas Knight founded the Questar Library of Science and Art on her property in Solebury. She served as president of the institution, "which continues as a memorial to her interest in music, art and science, to her publicspirited generosity and deep affection for the community," said her son, Peter Dodd. Mrs. Braymer was born in Camden and attended school and college in New Jersey. She resided in Carversville and nearby communities from the mid-1930s until moving to Solebury 31 years ago. When Questar was founded, Mr. Braymer, a former English professor, served as president and Mrs. Braymer was chairwoman. A 200- year-old farmhouse near New Hope was the corporate office and an old barn next door housed the manufacturing plant. poser A 1984 story in The Inquirer described Questar as the "undisputed Rolls-Royce of the nation's telescope business. Its ultra-precise, handcrafted telescopes have probed the heavens from the lofty perches of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's space shuttles and satellites." Celebrity customers and astronoiny buffs such as Johnny Carson and Marlon Brando paid thousands for telescopes, and many top law-enforcement agencies use them for long-distance surveillance. Mrs. Braymer had been the decorating editor for nine years for Woman's Day magazine and later authored a cookbook, a book on decorating and a yet-to-be published book detailing the telescope field, Mr. Braymer's life, and Questar. Also a homemaker, for 15 years she was the wife of Raymond Alvin Dodd, who predeceased her. She and Mr. Braymer were married for many years. In addition to her son, she is survived by three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held before Thanksgiving Day at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1680 Aquetong Rd., New Hope. Burial was private. The family suggests contributions to Questar Library, Box 157, New Hope, Pa. 18938. Arrangements were made by Reed & Steinbach Funeral Home, Doylestown Borough.
