Marilyn M Goode's Obituary
Marilyn Margaret Goode of Clearwater, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2016. She was 93 years old.
Born in New York, Marilyn was raised by her beloved grandmother, Catherine Boland Walsh, after the early loss of her mother, Margaret (née Walsh), and her father, Edward Goode.
Marilyn was also predeceased by her adoring uncles, Richard (and wife, Catherine), Andrew (and wife, Margaret), and Jack Walsh; her aunt and best friend, Kathleen Walsh Fitzgerald (and husband, Charles); and several loving cousins. She frequently and fondly recalled growing up spoiled by their love and attention. One very close late cousin, Ann Walsh McGovern (husband, Larry), was her regular double date partner when they were young professionals in New York City.
Throughout her life, Marilyn was a rock upon whom her family depended. She helped care for Richard and Catherine’s young children in Florida after Richard passed away. She lived for many years in New York with Jack, who benefited from her wonderful cooking. Later, she moved to Garden City, New York, where she lived for many happy years, helping Kathleen raise her children after their father died.
An executive for over thirty years at AT&T in New York, Marilyn retired in 1980 and moved to Florida, where she lived with Kathleen at On Top of the World, Clearwater. They were original residents of Building 50 and together they joyfully embraced all that the OTOW community had to offer. From acting in plays to attending events, particularly any that involved dancing, Marilyn and Kathleen enjoyed a robust retirement.
Marilyn’s generous nature extended to her friends and neighbors, who could always count on her for a ride or a visit. In turn, they were good to Marilyn, especially her close friends John and Dolores Parham and Tom and Marie Pirrello; and earlier in her life, her dear friend, the late Irene Finnegan. The family is deeply grateful to the Parhams and Pirrellos for brightening Marilyn’s life with laughter and ice cream, and to Irene’s sons, Gene and Bill, for their loving calls and cards.
Marilyn was a parishioner and, whenever possible, daily communicant at Light of Christ Church, Clearwater. She volunteered for many years at Suncoast Hospice.
Marilyn is survived by her adoring nieces and nephews, Theresa Fitzgerald, who spoke to Marilyn every day; Kelly Fitzgerald, his wife Celeste, and their children Christine Fitzgerald and her husband Wayne Headley and Jeffrey; and Eileen, Maureen, and Kevin Walsh. Her loving cousins also survive her: Larry McGovern, his wife Dorothy, and their children Michael, Meghan, Patrick, and Jack; Theresa McGovern and her son Liam; Elizabeth McGovern; Sister Kathleen Boland; and Lucille Boland.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, September 22 from 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm at Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33764. A Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn will be held on Friday, September 23 at 10:30 am at Light of Christ Church, 2176 Marilyn Street, Clearwater. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave. North, Clearwater.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marilyn can be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760-9962.
Marilyn’s family is grateful for her love and example. We miss her with all of our hearts but her faith, goodness, compassion, intelligence, laughter, and joyful spirit will stay with us forever.
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