Edith Grace Houghton

Houghton, Edith Grace
Feb. 10, 1912 - Feb. 2, 2013
Edith Grace Houghton died on February 2, 2013, just 8 days short of her 101st birthday. Edith was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from the prestigious Philadelphia High School for Girls 1930, and was inducted into its Court of Honor in 2007. Edith was a baseball prodigy, playing professional baseball with adults from the age of 10. As a member of the barnstorming team the "Bobbies," and Edith travelled to Japan in 1925, playing and touring with the team. As the only child on the team, who was also the starting shortstop and best player, she became well known as "The Kid". When WWII broke out, she enlisted in the women's Navy unit, the WAVES, and graduated in the first class of Storekeepers at the Naval Training School at Indiana University. She also served active duty during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam retiring as Chief Petty Officer (SKC). After WWII, Edith approached the Phillies, and was hired as a baseball scout. Her baseball uniform is displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame citing her accomplishments and the fact that she was the first female scout in Major League baseball. She retired to Sarasota in 1964.
Edith leaves her great nieces and nephews Dorothy (Thomas) McDonnell, Robert (Arlene) Houghton, Steven (Donna) Houghton, Lisa (Ray) Perri and Eric (Debbie) Houghton.
Viewing will be held on Friday Feb 8 from 5 to 7 PM, at Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home, 7454 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to American Heart Assn. Services are schedule in Philadelphia on Feb 16 from the Baron Rowland Funeral Home, Abington PA at 10 AM.