Walt and Mary Woodward, pictured in “In Defense of Our Neighbors”
Mary Woodward, daughter of Walt and Milly Woodward, legendary owners and editors of the Bainbridge Island Review, passed away on July 17, 2024. Her legacy is deeply rooted in the fight for justice, human rights, and the preservation of Bainbridge Island’s history, particularly the Japanese American Exclusion during World War II.
In 2008, Mary authored In Defense of Our Neighbors, chronicling her parents’ role as the first newspaper publishers on the West Coast to condemn the incarceration of Japanese Americans. The Bainbridge Island Review became a voice for constitutional rights as Walt and Milly boldly opposed the forced removal of American citizens of Japanese ancestry.
A former history teacher, Mary continued their commitment by writing extensively on the Exclusion and lecturing on its impact. Her efforts ensured that future generations would not forget the injustices endured by Japanese Americans during the war. Mary served as president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community and was a steadfast supporter of the Memorial.
The Woodward legacy is captured in In Defense of Our Neighbors, a definitive record that bridges the information gap between survivors’ personal accounts, the interpretive content at the Exclusion Memorial, and broader public awareness of this history. As part of its Capital Campaign, BIJAEMA has distributed nearly 200 copies of the book to major donors and K-12 groups for their classrooms and libraries, helping to pass the story on to future generations.
Mary Woodward dedicated her life to preserving her parents’ legacy and the island’s history. Her work will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.
