Sending my condolences to everyone. Grandma Goddard was one of the kindest people I knew. Hoping everyone takes time to appreciate the people they have around them.

Memories from Mary Louise Goddard

Retold by Niki Fleck, Granddaughter

Mary Louise Goddard was born April 12th, 1930 to Charles and Anna Knarzer. She was the youngest of 6 children, Harold, Joe, Delores, Pauline and Eleanor. Mom said her name, Louise, came from the fact that her Mom really wanted another boy with the name Louis. She guessed this was the only other option.

She had many special memories of her childhood. Playing with her friends, sleepovers, playing in the washtub in the yard, playing school in the garage and going on family picnics. She also spent her childhood days riding her bike and playing jacks for “hours”.

She tells of her most special childhood memory was playing the piano and being in big recitals every year at Holy Trinity. The hall was always full of people and they rented a baby grande piano. It was always an exciting time for her.

Louise met Earl when she was 18, at a Sub Dub Club party after her graduation. Earl was 21 and fresh out of the Coast Guards. He was on a blind double date with his friend and sitting in the back seat of the car, trying to decide whether or not join the party, when mom approached the car. She leaned in the back window trying to coax them out of the car. When she could not convince them she said “well I’m not going to stand on my head and stack BB’s to get you to come in”. Dad thought her reply was cute, mom thought Dad had the prettiest eyes.

When Louise was 18 she met Earl at a Sub Deb Club party after graduation. He as 21 and her first thought about him where how pretty is eyes were and how good he was to her. They became engaged on April 12, 1949 and married on June 10, 1950. She told of her favorite memory was exchanging their rings. Her ring was tough to get on. Father Gorman teased Earl that if he paid a quarter more it would have fit. :)

When they were married Louise worked as a comptometer at P. R. Mallory company. They lived in the upstairs apartment of her childhood home until they built their first home on Cadillac Dr. in Speedway where they moved in April of 1954.

Louise became a mother in December of 1952 to her first child, Linda. Being so good at being a mother that she followed that up with David, Eddie, Elaine, Kevin, Rich, Laurie and Tim.

Louise said her most special moments in her children’s lives were when they were baptized. Her Catholic faith was always very important to her. Equally memorable were their first communions, sports they played, their wedding days and all of the family trips they took together.

Louise had 18 grandchildren: Granddaughters Niki, Jessica, Amber, Traci, Jenny, Hannah and Jordan; Grandsons Jeff, Matt, Kraig, Brad, Brandon, Jay, Erik, Evan, Ryan, Eli and Ethan. She was blessed with 8 great-grand children: Micha, Lydia, Lily, Maggy, Owen, Quinten, Sam and Jake She was very loved and cherished by each of them. A couple of years ago she was able to spend some time at her granddaughters house in Iowa. Her great-grand daughter Maggie was around 2 years old and was so in love with her grandma. She held her hand or sat on her lap the entire time. Maggie even named the baby doll that she carried “baby grandma”.

Louise said the single most important choice she ever made was marrying Earl and that she believed it was meant to be. She was known as mom, grandma, sister, friend and the love of Earl’s life. In her own words, her dreams and hopes “were to make enough money to buy things and get married to a great guy that loved me and my family. And I did just that!”

My mother was an amazing woman deeply devoted to her family and her Catholic faith. Mom always put her family before herself. She was kind and giving her whole life. Even after raising eight children, she devoted her time to her church, Meals on Wheels, and volunteering at a mental health facility. She was truly a servant of God.

I have so many great memories of her…all of our family vacations, piling into the car to go to the drive-in, and going to the grocery on Friday was a special treat because I got to pick out my favorite cereal and snacks. I used to look over her shoulder to learn how to prepare all of the amazing meals she made for us. And to this day I use what I learned from her to cook many of those delicious meals we had growing up.

My mom inspired me to be the best husband and father to my family. Her advice and words of wisdom throughout the years will always be cherished. She was always there for me whenever I needed her. I love you Mom! You will forever be in my heart!

Looking at these wonderful pictures remind me of the good times at the Goddard house. Because of the two of you, I wanted a big family of my own someday. You made it look fun and achievable. Believe me, my husband was 1 of 10 and they weren’t so blessed. I remember the first time I realized you had the “open” door policy. I was amazed and loved it. It didn’t matter who came in when, all were welcome. I had hoped to imitate that, but he grew up with the “closed” door policy and it doesn’t work the same. He slowly has modified that, thanks to your help!

Thank you for your smile, Aunt Louise, and letting us know what a blessing each child can provide in our lives. Love you, always! You have left such a beautiful tribute in your family, and those you touched throughout the years.

Aunt Louise and Uncle Earl are special people in my life. Both are true role models. I know all her older sisters took pride in her. She, in turn, made everyone feel special especially her grandchildren. She was very much like her own mother. She will be missed and especially now that she was my last living aunt. My prayers are with the family. May she Rest In Peace.

Aunt Louise, you were my Godmother, my second mother. I cannot express how much you and Uncle Earl meant to me growing up. The love of another family even though you had a big family already. I have many, many wonderful memories of celebrating my birthday with you and staying at your house with Laurie. Later, when I could drive, I could just come and hang there and be apart of all the love and fun that was a daily part of your household. I will miss you always.

Aunt Louise, you and Uncle Earl raised a wonderful family. You were a very special Godmother and I loved sharing my birthdays with yours. Will miss you so very much. Rest in Peace.

Doug Houpt

Friday, February 14, 2020

Dear Goddard Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your mom was an amazing woman and will truly be missed. I have many great memories of how loving and caring she was!

Our hearts and thoughts with Mr Goddard and family. Mrs Goddard raised such a fine family. The Goddards were my parents best friends. I remember spending the night with Eddie and always felt welcome.

To the Goddard Gang -

We have such fond memories of your mom. She was a wonderful person. We are praying for your family during this time. I'm sure she and my Mom are looking down on us with nothing but love and pride. Blessings to you all.

Love, Donna Fath-Miller and family

Dear Goddard Family, our hearts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Your mom was a lovely soul.

Love,

Rebecca (Staton) and Joe Rosati