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Eva Woolridge
In Memory of
Eva Lucile
Woolridge
1923 - 2017
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Obituary for Eva Lucile Woolridge

Eva Lucile  Woolridge
Eva Lucile McDowell Woolridge, local resident, community volunteer, and avid traveler, began her last journey Tuesday, July 18th at home in Martinsburg, where she had lived since 1982.
Eva was born February 4, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Ceilan S. and Olive Cressman McDowell. She attended local schools in Barrington, Illinois and graduated from high school in 1940. Eva then entered the University of Chicago, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1944. There she also met her future husband, Dr. Robert L. Woolridge, who was doing graduate work in microbiology, also at the University of Chicago.
Eva married Bob on December 31st of 1946 in the university chapel. In 1949 Dr. Woolridge took a position as a medical researcher at Great Lakes Naval Station, the couple lived for the next 9 years in nearby communities of Zion, then Lake Bluff, Illinois. In 1959 Dr. Woolridge’s work for the Navy took his family to Taipei, Taiwan for the next eight years. He then took a position with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) taking them to Tokyo, Japan for the next three years. In 1971 they came back the United States, living in Bethesda, Maryland until Dr. Woolridge retired from NIH and moved to Martinsburg in 1982.
Eva was preceded in death by her husband Robert; daughter Margaret Lee Woolridge; sister Margaret McDowell Wilder; half -brothers, Robert Geissinger; and Carl Geissinger. She is survived by her daughter Eva Lynne Seibert Steptoe, son-in-law Philip P. Steptoe II, and grandson Robert Oakley (Ros) Seibert, as well as four nieces and seven nephews.
From an early age Eva was known for her independence and intellect. At age 13 she taught herself to drive the family car, using it to get to high school. At 17, she was valedictorian of her high school class and was admitted into the nationally prominent University of Chicago. At a time when few women studied science and mathematics, she was one of only two women in the mathematics program. Eva worked her way through college as a secretary in the university’s student information center and continued to work there until the birth of her first child.
As a young wife and mother in Lake Bluff, Eva became active in the Methodist Church and Girl Scouts, both of which she served for a lifetime. Eva was a Sunday school teacher, member of Methodist Women, and writer and editor of the church newsletter at Grace Methodist Church. When her daughter was old enough to join scouts, she became a brownie leader and member of the local Girl Scout council. After moving to Taipei, she served with the non-denominational protestant military chapel, especially in its outreach programs, teaching English to Taiwanese and Chinese students. Her largest contribution was to the Girl Scout program for U.S. civilian and military children based in East Asia. She started as a local scout leader in Taipei, and later was a board member of the Troops on Foreign Soil, Far East Council for all girl scouts in the area, traveling thousands of miles to coordinate activities in five countries. Eva was also a member of the Taipei International Women’s Club, as well as the Taipei Officers Wives Club. Eva continued her leadership role with the Girl Scout council board when the family moved to Japan, and she received the “Thanks Badge” award for this service. Eva remained active in the non-denominational protestant church they attended in Tokyo.
In 1971 they returned to the U.S. and Bethesda, Maryland. Eva served on a national Girl Scout planning committee, traveling to New York City for meetings. After moving to Martinsburg, Eva was involved in many volunteer activities. At Trinity United Methodist Church she was a member of United Methodist Women, church museum committee, and hospitality committee, as well as helping with vacation bible school. Her personal ministry, which she continued as long as she was able, was her card program. She sent hundreds of cards to family, friends, and church members who really appreciated the personal birthday, anniversary, and get well cards. Eva was also a volunteer for Berkeley County CCAP/Loaves and Fishes, interviewing clients and referring them for appropriate services. She was a member of the Berkeley County Historical Society and Adam Stephen Memorial Association, serving as treasurer of each. Eva was a member of the Martinsburg Women’s Club. Finally, she continued her lifelong work for Girl Scouts with her membership on the Shawnee Council board and later endowing a scholarship program for council girls achieving the “Gold Award.” For this work, Eva received “Thanks Badge II” from that council. The Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital also recognized her contributions by inducting her into the Juliette Low Legacy Society and presenting her the Council President’s Award.
A world traveler, Eva lived in or visited more than 50 countries on six continents. During her husband’s service with the Navy and NIH, she visited numerous East Asian nations and locations. After Bob’s passing, she renewed her travels with a fellow enthusiast and friend, sharing 11 trips to Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia until health issues prevented their further travels. Eva’s travels made her a natural for the Martinsburg Travel Club, where she was a member for over 25 years and served as treasurer and president. She was also an avid collector of oriental art, decorative eggs, nutcrackers, crosses, and nativity sets. Eva loved to show these collections to visitors and frequently had them on display throughout the Martinsburg community.
There will be a celebration of her life at 11:00AM on August 5th at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 West King Street, Martinsburg WV. Interment will be private, at the family plot in Summit Hill Cemetery, Garretson, South Dakota, with five generations of family members. Eva requested that in lieu of flowers any donations in her memory be made to Berkeley County CCAP/Loaves and Fishes, 336 South Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401 or to Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (which includes Martinsburg area girl scouts) 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008.


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