Drexel's Alison Jones, 61, blogger

Alison Snow Jones, 61, of Center City, an associate professor at Drexel University whose blog, "Maxine Udall (Girl Economist)," sparked lively debates, died of an apparent heart attack Monday, Jan. 17, at home.

At Drexel, Dr. Jones directed research concerning alcohol use and health, and led joint programs between the Schools of Business and Public Health.

She was a consultant on a number of evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of programs targeting children's health, and taught courses in health economics, research methods, and statistics. She also taught courses on the ethics and economics of social justice to theologians and students seeking a master of business of administration.

Readers of her blog, which she started in 2009, knew Dr. Jones as Maxine Udall - a play on the economic concept of "maximum utility." While a strong believer in capitalism, she espoused an infusion of morality in business behavior and education, said her husband, David Pinney.

In an entry in December about business and the community, she wrote about the furniture store her father owned in Indiana, Pa., and later in York, Pa.:

"We had to make enough money to stay in business for the long-haul. That meant that our customers had to keep coming back, we had to provide value, and we had to work, to sell. . . . The customer was like a sacred guest."

Dr. Jones wrote that she had developed a fondness and respect for her readers, who included bloggers on economics, anthropology, sociology, and biology.

In a tribute to his wife, Pinney wrote on her blog, "In order to honor her writing, her courage in tackling difficult issues with clarity and grace, her varied and passionate interests, her love for people in all walks in life, and her many fans, we will keep this blog online."

Before joining Drexel's faculty in 2009, Dr. Jones was on the faculties of the medical schools at Wake Forest and Johns Hopkins Universities.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Millersville State College and a doctorate in health economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, now the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

She was known for her passion for kayaking, the American West, and cooking, her husband said. The couple met at a canoe club in Maryland and married in 1999.

In addition to her husband, Dr. Jones is survived by her father, Elias Jones; a brother, Michael; a sister, Meredith Frost; and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Rd., Media.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alison Snow Jones Memorial Fund, School of Public Health, Drexel University, 1505 Race St., Philadelphia 19102.