Carol R. Samuels, a major benefactor of the observatory at the Science Center of Pinellas County, died Monday (Nov. 24, 2003) at her Gulfport home from lung cancer. She was 72. A half dozen years ago, she and her husband, Allen, a retired lawyer, donated $25,000 in seed money for the observatory. Their money, along with donated labor and services from others, enabled the Science Center at 7701 22nd Ave. N to renovate a tiny storage building for the observatory that would be named for her. "She was a well-liked, wonderful lady, and people wanted to honor her," said Susan Gordon, the center's executive director. Mrs. Samuels and her husband contributed the money to repay the center for steering their eldest son, Bob, on a path toward a science career. "They wanted to give something back to us," Gordon said. At the observatory dedication in August 1997, Bob Samuels, an engineer and consultant in California, told the gathering: "My mother brought me to the Science Center for the first time when I was 9, and I fell in love with science." More fundraising financed computer software, an expensive and powerful telescope and a special camera that filters out the surrounding city lights. These items allow a clearer view of the night sky to astronomy buffs, schoolchildren, college students and other visitors. In 1998, after months of planning, negotiating and constructing, a 6-inch Meade Instrument telescope was added to the observatory. At that time, no other telescope of its kind had been available to the public in a non-university setting. Mrs. Samuels was a member of the Science Center's board of directors and the Science Center Guild. She was also a member of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College, Brandeis (University) Women's Organization, Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, the Friendship Force, Century Travel Club and Temple Beth-El, where she was a member of its sisterhood. She was born in Charleston, W.Va., and came here in 1955 from Baltimore. Survivors include her husband, Allen R. Sr.; two sons, Allen R. "Bob" Jr., San Jose, Calif., and Scott A., St. Petersburg; a daughter, Stephanie L. Samuels, Princeton, Minn.; a brother, Harvey Morgenstein, St. Pete Beach; and four grandchildren. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Temple Beth-El, 400 Pasadena Ave. S with burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. The family suggests memorial contributions go to the Carol Samuels Observatory at the Science Center of Pinellas County , 7701 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Beth David South Chapel of David C. Gross Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements. _ Information from Times files was used in this obituary.