Obituaries
Mary Towers Gooding, 69
February 11, 2015
Mary Towers Gooding, 69, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, February 11th, 2015 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Mary was born in 1945 in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late James K. Towers, Jr. and Florence P. Towers.
Surviving Mary is her devoted husband of 48 years, John Simpson Gooding, whom she dated since the eighth grade when they met at the Manheim Township Middle School; her son John R. “Russ” Gooding and wife Stephanie of Stevens, PA; her son James Reed Gooding and wife Michelle of Lititz, PA; her son William Hunter Gooding and wife Kristyn of Lancaster, PA; her nine grandchildren, Ella, Grayson, Payton, Parker, Alexandria, Mackenzie, Zoe, Drake, & Angus; her brother James K. Towers, III and wife Connie of Lancaster, PA; her sister Virginia Post and husband Michael of Quakertown, PA; her sister Jeanne Spinelli and husband Gene of Haddonfield, NJ.
Mary graduated from Manheim Township High School and Averett College. She was a charter member of Highland Presbyterian Church and served there as a Deacon and on the Nursery School Board. She was employed for fifteen years as a medical secretary, later serving as manager of the Gooding Group Foundation until her retirement. Always active in the community, Mary was involved with the Junior League of Lancaster, the Women’s Symphony Association of Lancaster, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster, and the Lancaster Day Care Center. Mary’s greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren. She treasured days spent with her husband by the shore in Ocean City, NJ. Her hobbies included a variety of needlecraft, particularly a love for quilting with friends.
Mary’s Memorial Service will be held at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, February 21st, 2015 at 11 AM with the Rev. Dr. Ann Osborne officiating. Family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM. Mary will join her parents at rest in the Memorial Garden at Highland Presbyterian Church during a private interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or online at: http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2015/PA-GreaterPennsylvania?team_id=256804&pg=team&fr_id=7765
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Condolences to the Family
February 22, 2015
Dear John and Family
Marna and I are sorry we were unable to be at the Memorial Service for Mary, we had left for North Carolina. Our sincerest condolences to you and the family and we will remember Mary in our prayers to day at Mass.
we have so many fond memories of her and your family. God bless you all and she is now at peace.
Mike and Marna Kirkham
February 21, 2015
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Russ. Thinking of you and your family today.
Darci Leithmann Giovan
February 19, 2015
Our deepest condolences. We are very sorry for your loss.
– the Hanna family.
February 18, 2015
Prayers and condolences to the Gooding and Towers families. We will miss her and hearing of her at the 25 year club dinners.
Brian & Cindy Woodcraft
February 18, 2015
John, Russ, Reed, William and Family-
My deepest condolences to you all may peace be with you during this period.
Larry Schneck QRS
February 18, 2015
My dear friends, I knew Mary only a little, but that little bit was enough to make me feel your loss deeply. She was a wonderful person.
-Rob Paire
February 18, 2015
Dear Gooding Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. She was so kind, always taking the time to stop, chat, and ask how things were with our young family. She always had a big smile for us when we would bump into her while strolling on the beach! We know she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Our hearts are with you all and may She rest in peace.
Love, John and Kim Briner
February 17, 2015
John, Russ, Reed, William and Family –
It really hursts to see dear Mary pass, but she is in a better place now. We will miss her terribly, but will cherish the memories of raising kids together, conoeing, going to the shore, catching and cooking bluefish, culture club events, church, and many good times together – for a long, long time. She was wonderful and kind – always organized and happy and ready to enjoy life. We loved her and she loved us. Take courage and go on knowing she is with you in spirit. She was a great lady!!! Love – Tom And Gayle
February 17, 2015
Dear Jim, Connie and all of Mary’s family,
Mary’s love and the many memories you shared will always be with you. May God provide the comfort you need as you grieve Mary’s spacing into the heavenly realm. We are keeping all of you in our prayers. Peace to you all.
Sam and Linda Rice
February 17, 2015
Oh John, you and your family have my heartfelt condolences on Mary’s passing. You and she together were such an integral part of my high school experience. I am so glad that I got to see and talk to her at our 50th high school reunion. Your loving support of her in these last years was truly amazing. There are very few who could have given as much as you did with so much love. Though her passing too young brings such sadness, it is a blessing that she is no longer suffering and is at peace. She will live in your heart always.
Carol Martin Elliott
February 16, 2015
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dick Rodman
February 16, 2015
Rest in Peace Mary. You are no longer suffering! Praying for your family during this tough time. Have fun up in heaven
February 16, 2015
Our loving condolences to the Gooding family. We treasured our times being around Mary, such a happy, wonderful lady. God Bess, the Kawuloks
February 16, 2015
Dear John,
We were so saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers.
Leon, Betty and Lisa Rabzak
February 16, 2015
Reed and Will
i want you guys to know that losing mom changes your life. It did mine several years ago. Hold on to all the goo memories. You never get over the loss but time makes it easier
my prayers are with you and your families
mike stivers , RoofConnect
February 15, 2015
Praying for the comfort and peace of God for your family in this time of loss. We made a financial gift to your fight against Alzheimer’s effort so that not one more will have to be affected.
-Brent, Laura & Lucy Toni-Holsinger
February 15, 2015
Jim,
Our thoughts & prayers to you & your family.
Norm & Bea Strenger
February 15, 2015
We remember Mary as a loving mom whose boys grew up withours. What a kind and happy soul. John is a role model for every husband. Love, pat and Marcie
- Visitation
- Saturday, February 21, 2015
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Highland Presbyterian Church
- 500 E. Roseville Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, February 21, 2015
- 11:00 AM
- Highland Presbyterian Church
- 500 E. Roseville Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
