Melrose Woodward, 98, of Solomons, MD and formerly of Duncans Mills, CA, passed away on July 4, 2025 at her residence.
Born May 14, 1927 in Sylvania, GA, she was the daughter of the late George McMillan and Mary Jane (Quattlebaum) McMillan.
Melrose graduated from Upper Moreland High School in 1944. She married Edward Carlyle Woodward in Elkton, MD on January 24, 1948 and was a homemaker. Melrose moved to Calvert County from Duncans Mills, CA in 2000. She was a member of the Gold Star Wives and enjoyed gardening and traveling.
Melrose is survived by her children, Carole Woodward of Lusby, MD and Mary Riseling (William) of Martinez, GA; her grandchild, Bobbi Riseling; her great-grandchildren, Keyan Riseling and Komi Jones; and her great-great-grandchildren, Dallas Riseling and Daisey Riseling. She was preceded in death on October 15, 2001 by her husband, Edward C. Woodward; her grandchild, Jason Riseling; and her brothers, Dewey McMillan and Joseph McMillan.
Family will receive friends on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM with a Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Matt Pooley following at 2:00 PM at Rausch Funeral Home, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. Interment will be in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, P.O. Box 838, 4559 Sixes Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 or at www.hospicechesapeake.org.
Bonnie Whitecotton
July 21 – Obituary: Melrose Woodward
I was part of a group that went on the American river rafting down the rapids with the Woodward family and other friends. I have had the opportunity to be with Mel many times both in California, and Maryland, along with other family members, and notably, her daughter, Carole, who I met in our early 20s and immediately discovered we had things in common.
Mel was very kind to me, and my sons, making us feel like family in her home over holidays. She was always full of energy and acceptance of all. She was laughing and in conversations with her energetic, and joi de vievre lifestyle.
I have been blessed, and I am very grateful for Mel in my life. She modeled how to love and care for others deeply, while shedding humor, and a positive outlook.
Darlene Chambers
July 10 – Obituary: Melrose Woodward
You will forever be in my heart.
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