The Basilica School of Saint Mary wishes to share and express its gratitude for the very special gift of $50,000 given by Miss Margaret Harmon Woolls, a St. Mary's Academy graduate and a life-long member of the Basilica of Saint Mary. Designated and provided for in her will, her gift of $50,000 is restricted to supporting the school's tuition scholarship fund.  Miss Woolls passed away in October at the age of 89.  

Margaret Harmon Woolls was the fourth of five children of the Hon. William Pape Woolls and Ruth Roberts Woolls. Ruth was the eldest daughter of Walter and Rebecca Roberts of Alexandria. Walter was a Quaker merchant and was president of the Alexandria Water Company when Lake Barcroft was built as the city’s reservoir. He also owned Walter Roberts, Inc. – a Purina Feed and Grain dealership in Alexandria. Rebecca was raised as a Methodist.  Family lore has it that daughter Ruth once said, “I’ll never marry a widower or a Roman Catholic.”  Never? She married both in one, marrying William Pape Woolls. Margaret, or Peggy, was born on Nov. 13, 1931. She lived all her life at 307 W. Walnut St. in Alexandria, until she moved to Goodwin House Alexandria in 2015. She passed away at Goodwin House on Oct. 6, 2021.

Join us in giving thanks and praying for Ms. Woolls.