Edna Louise Stoddard

STODDARD, EDNA LOUISE, 91, of Pawtuxet Village, RI died peacefully on August 2, 2008. Her last few years she lived in assisted living at the Scandinavian Home and Epoch on Butler Ave. Despite her years with dementia, she kept her strong personality, her wit and sense of humor, and her deep concern for others throughout her long life. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 11:00 am at the Pawtuxet Baptist Church, 2157 Broad Street in Cranston, RI.

She was born on Dec. 12, 1916 in North Adams, MA the fifth child of Edna Louise (Reynolds) Cary and Harry Llewellyn Cary. Louise graduated from Cranston High School in 1934 where she had been an honors student, captain of the girls basketball team, and member of the debate team. On weekends she was a riding instructor. She later rode competitively and schooled saddlebred horses. She graduated from the business program at Bryant College in 1936 and became an office manager at Atlantic Refining Co. On Valentines Day 1942 she married the love of her life Daniel E. Stoddard, who served in the Army in WWII and later became the President of Peoples Savings Bank of Rhode Island. They had two children, Patience and Prudence.

Louise had a strong interest in politics. In 1956 she was elected to the RI House of Representatives and served as the only woman in that chamber for two terms. She remained active in Republican state politics for many years.

She always loved the mountains and spent time each year in the family Adirondack log cabin in Brant lake New York. In the 70s she lived there for nine years. There she served as President of the Womens Hospital Auxiliary, was elected as Town Historian, and helped start the Horicon Historical Museum. When she returned to RI she was active in her local church, the Pawtuxet Baptist Church, and served as a representative to the RI Council of Churches.

She had many interests and talents. For many years she was an avid horsewoman and was a founding member of the Palmer River Riding Club. She also enjoyed several trips to Alaska where she once spoke before the newly formed State government welcoming them into statehood on behalf of the State of Rhode Island. She also enjoyed golfing, canoeing, swimming, ping pong (which she played competitively on the State level), the NY Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle, and word and card games (especially when she won). Her greatest loves were her husband Dan; her children, niece and grandchildren; her extended family and life-long friends; her dogs and cats; and Brant Lake. Throughout her life she had an extraordinary ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds.

She is survived by her daughters, Patience and Prudence; her niece Betsy; her grandchildren, Daniel and Allie Stoddard Gruber and Greg and Daniel Swann; and by many others who loved her. Calling hours respectfully omitted.

Her family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name be sent to the Horicon Historical Society and Museum in PO Box 51, Brant Lake, NY 12815. Arrangements by the Jones-Walton-Sheridan Funeral Home. Information and Condolences: www.jwsfh.com