You're thinking of Heddy (not Headly) Lamar. Her encryption concept had something to do with music (piano keys?). She did have some help with developing the idea, but she really was brainy and came with a nice set of shoulders to rest that head on. Her concept is still used in cellular telephony.
Not that there was anything wrong with Marlene!
http://www.ncafe.com/chris/pat2/index.html