Marie A. (Meyer) Goeke, 88

July 28, 2025

Marie A. (Meyer) Goeke, 88, of Brownstown, passed away at her home on July 28, 2025. Born on December 5, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Arabelle M. (Overly) and Ambrose E. Meyer.

Marie graduated from McCaskey High School in 1954 then earned her teaching degree from Lebanon Valley College in 1958. On June 21, 1958, she married Walter T. Goeke in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the “Red Rose City,” where they raised their family and served the community — Marie as an elementary school teacher and Walter as a member of the city’s police force, eventually retiring as Chief of Police in 1994.

Marie’s teaching career began in the Hempfield School District but soon brought her to the School District of Lancaster, where she taught first grade for many years. She retired in 1995, closing a chapter of shaping young lives.

In retirement, Marie and Walter moved to the suburbs to enjoy the home she had always dreamed of, shifting focus to her cherished role as “grandma.” She was active in a wide range of historical, educational, and community organizations, including the Lancaster County Historical Society, Lebanon County Historical Society, Hans Herr House Foundation, St. Anne Neumann Seniors, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, among others. She was also a proud member of several school retiree associations. In the 1970s, Marie was proud to befriend several Vietnamese families and welcome them to our community, as they immigrated to the United States.

She enjoyed bus trips, lunches with friends and cousins, country music, and American history—particularly the Civil War. She loved the changing seasons, especially Autumn and Winter.

Her hobbies included reading, photography, and genealogy. She compiled extensive family histories, researching the Goeke, Jackson, Meyer, Herr, Overly, Ranck, Rife, Seldomridge, and Cochran family lines.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Walter T. Goeke, her older brother, Charles E. Meyer, and son-in-law, Craig A. McClenaghan.

She is survived by her three children: Linda G. Hoy (wife of John Bradley Hoy) of Douglassville; Carol A. McClenaghan (widow of Craig A. McClenaghan) of Brownstown; and Theodore W. Goeke (husband of Lisa Kulp Goeke) of Akron. Her legacy also lives on in her five grandchildren: Grace Fleckenstein (wife of Matthew Fleckenstein), Sarah McClenaghan, Erin Hoy, Jenny Hoy, and Grant Goeke.

Marie’s final resting place will be at Ranck’s Cemetery. A private interment is planned. A gathering to celebrate Marie’s life will be held at a later date. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care.