Obituary of Edith Grace Houghton

Edith Grace Houghton died on February 2, 2013, just 8 days short of her 101st birthday. Edith was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from the prestigious Philadelphia High School for Girls 1930, and was inducted into its Court of Honor in 2007. Edith was a baseball prodigy, playing professional baseball with adults from the age of 10. As a member of the barnstorming team the "Bobbies," and Edith travelled to Japan in 1925, playing and touring with the team. As the only child on the team, who was also the starting shortstop and best player, she became well known as "The Kid". When WWII broke out, she enlisted in the women's Navy unit, the WAVES, and graduated in the first class of Storekeepers at the Naval Training School at Indiana University. She also served active duty during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam retiring as Chief Petty Officer (SKC). After WWII, Edith approached the Phillies, and was hired as a baseball scout. Her baseball uniform is displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame citing her accomplishments and the fact that she was the first female scout in Major League baseball. She retired to Sarasota in 1964. Edith leaves her great nieces and nephews; Dorothy and Thomas McDonnell, Robert and Arlene Houghton, Steven and Donna Houghton, Lisa and Ray Perri and Eric and Debbie Houghton. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 Am on Saturday, February 16, 2013, Baron Rowland Funeral Home, 1059 Old York Road, Abington, where friends will be received from 9:00 - 10:30 AM. Burial will be in Northwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to American Heart Association, 1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103.