Shells and preserving Diamond Head were two of E. Allison Kay's main passions that she carried through her retirement and beyond.

Kay, who had been a longtime chairwoman of the Diamond Head Citizen's Advisory Committee and a professor of zoology at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, died June 9. She was 79.

Throughout her career, she researched marine mollusks, helping to shape state regulations protecting 'opihi from over-harvesting.

"She was a good teacher and she really cared about her students," said Sheila Conant, chairwoman of the UH Zoology Department.

Kay was born in 'Ele'ele, Kaua'i, and attended Punahou School, Mills College and Cambridge University in England. At UH, she was a dean of graduate students, served as a department head and a member of the Faculty Senate.

In the community, she was well known for creating a working master plan for the preservation of Diamond Head and the crater.

She started as a member of the Save Diamond Head group, which became the Department of Land and Natural Resources Diamond Head Citizen's Advisory Committee. It helped draft a master plan in 2002 that is a blueprint for the crater, said Sid Snyder, a member of the group.

Kay is survived by her brother Gordon, nieces and a nephew.

Memorial services will be 5 p.m. Wednesday at Punahou Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Punahou School, Mills College or the University of Hawai'i.