Miss Helen Woodruff
Died November 1, 1931
MISS HELEN WOODRUFF, DAUGHTER OF PIONEER MERCHANT, IS DEAD
Miss Helen Woodruff died early Sunday evening in the home in which she was born at 26 N. St. Joseph avenue. The daughter of one of the leading pioneer families of Niles, Miss Woodruff is mourned among a wide circle of friends who loved her dearly because of her many excellent qualities and her unusual attainments in church and social work.
[Illegible]. the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Woodruff. Her father and an uncle, Edgar Woodruff, [illegible] at the northwest corner of Front and Main streets in the early '50s. After the death of Edgar Woodruff, the business was continued by Miss Woodruff's father until 1897 when it was sold to G.B. Winter. John Woodruff was on several occasions a member of the Niles city council and played an important part in the business and civic life of Niles during its early days.
Graduated from Niles High school, Miss Woodruff attended the C[illegible]Institute in Philadelphia where she prepared for her chosen profession, that of librarian, After completing her course at the Philadelphia institute, Miss Woodruff was employed for several years at the libraries at South Bend and Kalamazoo.
For several years and until her fatal illness made it impossible for her to continue, Miss Woodruff was always in the work of Trinity Episcopal church. She was known as one of the best teacher of the church school staff, as she had a native ability for conveying the great store of knowledge she possessed on a wide range of subjects. She was also a member of St. Agnes guild of Trinity church.
Miss Woodruff was a member of the [illegible] club and had served as secretary and treasurer of the Progressive league at time. She also was a member of of[sic] the Musical club greatly interested in its work.
Miss Woodruff is survived by a sister, Mrs. Louise Woodruff Jerome with whom she has resided for several years. She was connected by kinship with the E.C. Griffin family.
Funeral services for Miss Woodruff will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home and at 2:30 at Trinity Episcopal church. The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson the rector will read the prayers at both services. Burial will be in Silver Brook cemetery. (Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, Nov. 2, 1931, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)
