Dr. Brigitte Gardner Woodward, widow of the late Jack Woodward of Fernandina Beach, passed away Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at her home in Camilla, Ga.
Dr. Gardner Woodward was born in Eurfort, Germany, but raised by her grandparents in Silesia, Poland. In January 1948, she married Theron Bacon, a U.S. Army soldier, whom she met while she was acting as a translator during World War II. Upon Mr. Bacon's discharge, they came to Fernandina. Dr. Gardner Woodward attended Jacksonville University, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees. She later completed her doctorate at Nova University. She taught at several schools in Jacksonville, including San Mateo Elementary, Seabreeze Elementary, Lake Forest Elementary and was dean of girls at Terry Parker High School. She taught as a reading specialist at Edward Waters College prior to becoming the director of the Northeast Florida Head Start Program. She retired in 1991.
In 1980 she married Jack Woodward, whom she had known from her previous life in Fernandina. Mr. Woodward passed away in 1985. Mrs. Woodward was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Fernandina prior to moving to Atlantic Beach.
She leaves behind her daughters, Christel McGregor and her husband, James, of Georgetown, Fla., and Margaret Wilsie of Camilla; three grandchildren, Megan McGregor and her husband, David Bruderle, James Adam McGregor Jr. and his wife, Caitlin McGregor, and Seth McGregor; and a great-grandson, Duncan McGregor Bruderle, all of Jacksonville. Dr. Gardner Woodward leaves behind four siblings who reside in Germany.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the graveside in Bosque Bello Cemetery with the Rev. Rector Stephen Mazingo officiating.
Dr. Gardner Woodward will be laid to rest beside her husband Jack.
Please share her Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors