Mary Ellen Woodward, 100, of State College, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Foxdale Village
Retirement Community.

Born December 13, 1918 in Richmond, IN, she was a daughter of the late Walter C. and
Catherine (Hartman) Woodward. She spent her early years in Richmond.

Mary Ellen attended Earlham College, also in Richmond, where her father had served as
Professor of History. Before graduating, she transferred to the University of Arizona, where she
received her Bachelors Degree in 1942 and was awarded membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Phi
Kappa Phi honor societies. She then began graduate studies at the University of Colorado, where
she received a Masters Degree in Library Science. In addition, she attended the intensive summer
program at the celebrated French School at Middlebury College in Vermont and was fluent in
French, German and Russian.

After completing her education, Mary Ellen began work as a Library Administrator for the
Information Agency of the US Government, which promoted "public international diplomacy."
During her 22 years there, she was mostly stationed in Washington, D.C., but she also helped to
create the first American library in Pakistan - living for three years in Lahore, before moving
on to work for two more years in Bombay, India. She spent her remaining years before
retirement back in Washington, D.C.

She was a member of the Friends Meeting in State College and enjoyed reading, traveling, nature
and classical music. Her personal heroes were Thomas Jefferson and Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart.

Mary Ellen is survived by her sister Elisabeth W. Krauss of Rhinebeck, NY, two nieces, three
nephews and six grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Bernice W.
Hay.

A private family memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send
donations to either Foxdale Village Retirement Community, 500 E Marylyn Ave, State College,
PA 16801 or Friends Meeting - State College, 611 E Prospect Ave, State College, PA 16801

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services,
State College.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.