Mary E. Woodruff, 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Maple Ridge Assisted Living.
Born on January 10, 1952, to Dr. Frank and Evelyn (MacDonald) Woodruff in Barre, Vt., she graduated from Marian High School in 1969 and went on to attend the University of Vermont, where she graduated with a BS in education in 1973. She received her master’s degree in history from UVM in 1985.
Mary began her love for teaching in Lake Zurich, Ill. After three years, the Green Mountains of Vermont called her home. She spent most of her teaching career in Chittenden County, and in 1998 she became a school principal and served in Franklin, Winooski and Smilie schools until her retirement. Her students were the center of Mary’s commitment to public education, whether in her role as teacher or principal.
Mary had a love of traveling. She traveled to China and climbed the Great Wall, toured through the former Soviet Union, backpacked through Newfoundland, and trekked in the Himalayan mountains of northern India. She enjoyed the sights and food of Italy and traced her family’s roots in Scotland. Mary wanted to expand her knowledge of the world and its people so that she would be a better teacher.
She spent her summers growing up with her siblings at her family cottage on Caspian Lake in Greensboro. She cherished her time there and returned to the Woodruff gathering place at “camp” every summer. Mary also enjoyed golf, kayaking, yoga, reading and playing piano, and she loved playing bridge with family and friends.
Mary is survived by her brothers Stephen and his wife, Micki; Frank Jr. and his wife, Jackie; and Paul; her sisters Sarah and Jane; sister-in-law Dianne; and their families. Mary also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their children, of whom she was very fond. Her family will miss her dry sense of humor, generosity and lifelong commitment to learning. Along with her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brothers Richard and David and her sister Anne.
The family would like to thank the people of Maple Ridge Assisted Living and UVM Home Health & Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.
According to Mary’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Vermont Foodbank or KidSafe Collaborative.
Arrangements are by Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre. For a complete guestbook, please visit hookerwhitcomb.com.