Sad News to Share with Our Westfield Family and Friends

Dear Westfield Friends and Family,

 

Charles Miller Biddle 4th MD passed away on October 13, 2024, at his home in Moorestown, NJ. at the age of 86.  He is survived by his wife Joan Wilmarth Biddle, daughter Amy Lippincott Biddle and grandson Connor Healy.  He was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth Biddle Healy.  Burial in Westfield Friends Cemetery will be held at a later date.  

 

Miller dedicated his time, talents, and treasures to supporting the Meeting and the School that shaped and grounded him. He worked to restore the cemetery to a place honoring those buried there and providing a beautiful, comforting location for the deceased’s family and friends to visit. During the pandemic, he was overjoyed to know that the cemetery served as the outdoor worship space for the school every Wednesday except for bitterly cold or rainy days. He even provided additional benches for our outdoor worship. 

 

Miller was a lifelong member of Westfield Friends Meeting as were so many of his ancestors going back many generations. He was a member of Westfield Friends School’s 1950 graduating class. Throughout his adult life, he was a dedicated friend and supporter of his school. He served on the School Committee from 1972-1985 and was the Clerk of the School Committee for ten of those years. 

 

In 2016 Miller completed his history of the school for Westfield’s 230th anniversary celebration. This history includes a comprehensive list of past school committee members, teachers, and school leaders. Most importantly, he documented all the graduating classes and their members dating back to 1918. Beginning with the class of 1947, he included a picture of every class through to 2017, listing their names, and followed with many of their graduation programs.

 

His legacy and responsibility of supporting the Meeting, its School, and the Cemetery was very important to him. Contributions can be made online in memory of Miller to his beloved Westfield Friends School or by check to the School, the Westfield Cemetery Restoration Fund, or Westfield Friends Meeting at 2201 Riverton Road, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077.

 

On a personal note, Miller was generous with his time and friendship to me as the newest Head of School for Westfield Friends School. Patient and interested he and Joan helped me to understand the legacy and community which I now serve. He encouraged me to lead with courage and love. He will be missed.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Margaret Haviland

Head of School