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MARTHA WOODROOFE Obituary
Martha "Molly" Reed Woodroofe, died on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Molly was born in Pittsburgh in 1975 and was a devoted daughter to and cherished by her parents the Reverend Robert "Woody" and Sally Woodroofe and extremely close to her older sister Louise. She remained passionate about Pittsburgh and its teams. She graduated from Butler Area High School in Pennsylvania, was an AllIvy soccer standout at Yale University, and later earned a Master's from Georgetown University. Molly was a beloved history teacher and coach at three independent schools starting at the Westminster School in Connecticut before moving to Washington, DC where she spent a decade teaching and coaching as the school's first female varsity coach at St. Albans. While at St. Albans she met her partner, Blair Parker, then a history teacher at National Cathedral School and with whom she shared a commitment to teaching. In 2013 Molly and Blair moved to New York City where Molly became the History Department Head at the Spence School. Molly lived life with purpose and joy that was felt by everyone she encountered. Even in the nine months after her diagnosis she continued to teach and carry forth her other responsibilities, which included making sure everyone in her presence was happy and comforted. Her passion for sports and world travel was unwavering. She watched every USWNT game and traveled to their World Cup victory in Vancouver. She spent her last days rooting for her favorite teams and planning vacations while surrounded by friends and family. A memorial service will be held at 10am on Monday, July 25 at the Washington National Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yale Women's Soccer or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
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Memories and Condolences
for MARTHA WOODROOFE
Julie & David Jennings
August 9, 2016
Dear Woody and Sally - such sad news to hear about Molly's death. It seems not so long ago that she was a lifeguard at Silver Shell Beach. Although we did not know her well, all of the comments demonstrate what a wonderful person she was and how greatly she will be missed by family and friends. Wishing you peace in the knowledge of everlasting life.
Ana Silva
August 3, 2016
I remember one time out with Molly after work with a group of Spence teacher friends she shared with us how loved she had always felt by her parents. It was a heart-felt share, and I know we were all touched by how fully loved she felt by you, and how much she carried that love into her life. Certainly, her joyful and generous personality was grounded by you both. I miss her so much - her laugh, humor, smarts, kindness - and know that I will forever be changed by her life and her death. I am sorry you have this sorrow to bear, and perhaps the best thing to do is to try to channel Molly as best we can (though it be a poor imitation) as we carry on. Sending love.
Will Stewart
July 29, 2016
I knew Molly from St. Albans. We had a few great conversations and I always remember her with that great smile. She was a fierce competitor and a great coach. She was EXACTLY what those high school boys needed: a loving but no nonsense teacher and coach. Rest in peace, my dear.
Michele & Bob Pickens
July 28, 2016
Sally and Woody, we are so sorry to hear of Molly's passing. We have such fond memories of the girls when they were young. She grew up to be a fine young woman with a remarkable life. So sad that it had to be cut short. Our sympathies to Louise as well.
Ciara McCormack
July 27, 2016
I remember Molly from my recruiting trip to Yale. She was fun, funny, warm and made me feel welcome. Although she graduated the year that I came on to the soccer team, she was always incredibly nice, and engaging every time I ran into her.
When I ran into her on Elm Street on campus as a sophomore trying to figure out what to major in, she told me to just "do whatever I enjoyed the most and the rest would work itself out."
It's advice I've followed with pretty much everything in my life since, and it was spot on. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a bright light and I'm so grateful to have crossed paths with her.
Ina Roehr
July 26, 2016
Dear Sally and Woody- I was so saddened to hear of Molly's passing- I will pray that the Lord helps you and Louise and gives you strength in dealing with this unbelievable loss
Ina Roehr
July 26, 2016
Dear Sally and Woodie- I was so saddened to hear of Molly's passing
I will pray for you and your family to
ask the Lord to help you through this unbelievable loss -Ina Roehr
Pete Swisher
July 26, 2016
Molly was presented to me as almost a mythical character of fun, warmth, joy, and all good things, prior to meeting her, and after becoming engaged to one of her many best friends. She lived up to the billing.
She possessed a broad array of great attributes, qualities that reminded me of many influential people in my life. Her smile and laugh and ability to immediately commune deeply with another person were like my mother's. Her character and overall competence like my best friend Adam. Her spirit and joy, like by best friend Jeff. It is amazing to see all that embodied in one person.
My thoughts are with her family. Know that you raised a great person, who taught us all a little something about how one should approach life.
Tenley Harrison
July 26, 2016
I was lucky enough to be Molly's freshmen counselor at Yale and feel like it's safe to admit, all these years later, that she was one of my very favorites. Smart with a great sense of humor, never took herself too seriously, made everyone feel comfortable...those are not qualities one finds in someone who is also such a fierce competitor on the field. I did not know of her illness, but have no doubt she faced it with determination and good cheer. It's strange to be so sad about the loss of someone I haven't seen in 20 years but I am. My condolences to her family and partner.
July 25, 2016
Although we were not a part of Mollie's later in life achievements we were privleged to be a part of her life in Butler, Pa. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the Woodroofe family. May the brightnes of Mollie's star never wane.
The Jack Baccanti family
Barb Pyewell
July 25, 2016
I am truly sorry to hear of Molly's passing. She was my all-time favorite soccer player for Butler H. S. Also for the Pittsburgh Strikers. Always a positive person and mentor to many young soccer players. I will fondly remember her beautiful smile and her winning attitude. My prayers are with Molly and her Family.
Christie Sacoulas
July 25, 2016
Molly and I graduated from high school together in 1993.. She will be greatly missed.. My prayers and deepest sympathies to her family..
Edie Sonne Hall
July 25, 2016
I went to college with Molly and just thought she was an incredible person. She had a warm smile, hearty laugh and made everyone around her feel comfortable and included. The world has lost an amazing teacher, athlete, friend and human. My condolences to the entire Woodroofe family.
Nicole Hunka
July 25, 2016
I played basketball with Molly at Butler High School. Phenomenal athlete. Phenomenal person. Mr. and Mrs. Woodroofe, you raised an incredible daughter. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the two of you, Louise, and the rest of Molly's family and friends.
George Chapman
July 24, 2016
May the joy she lived and shared in her beautiful life soften the pain of her loss for those who mourn. Deepest sympathy and warmest regards.
Pattii Toenniessen
July 24, 2016
I first met Molly through my daughter, Annika. What a smile. What girl she was. Over the next few years I was lucky enough to grow to love her and laugh with her from time to time, until she moved to NYC. In my minds eye I missed her but knew always she was having a ball wherever she went! What a shock to hear of her passing. My heart goes out to all her family. Shine on, Molly!
Karyn George
July 24, 2016
She will be missed and the loss felt. But her accomplishments will keep her spirit with all she touched.
Ed Raffetto
July 24, 2016
Lisa and I just heard this sad news. May all who love her find peace. We are sorry we cannot be with you on Monday.
John Portlock
July 24, 2016
I taught/coached with Molly. Her students adored her; her players deeply respected her, and this colleague, like all others, loved commiserating, thinking, and laughing--more than anything laughing--with Molly. A truly remarkable professional. A truly remarkable woman.
John Portlock
July 24, 2016
I taught/coached with Molly. Her students adored her; her players deeply respected her; and this colleague, as all others, loved commiserating, thinking, and laughing--more than anything laughing--with Molly. A truly remarkable professional. A truly remarkable woman.
Kay (Rock) Boyd
July 24, 2016
Sally and Woodie, I am so sad to hear of the loss of your daughter. What an unfair thing this is to have happened. I know you will miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Edith Ching
July 24, 2016
I was the lower school librarian at St. Albans school when Molly arrived and like all there was touched by her warmth and her care and concern for all around her and her passion for teaching. We are all very blessed to have been in her orbit. I am in Japan and will miss the memorial service in DC but hold her and all who love her in my heart
Marianme Marsom Mckenna
July 24, 2016
What an incredible human being - I am so sorry for your loss. My heart (as does all my family's) goes with all of you. What a wonderful smile, spirit! With much love and support to all of your family in this very tough time of loss.
Tammy Mentzel
July 24, 2016
I was Molly's classmate at Yale, and I'm so sad to hear this news. Wishing all comfort.
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