Bernadette Claire Goff Obituary (1929 - 2015)

Surrounded by loved ones, our beloved mother and grandmother, Bernadette Claire (Soulnier) Goff of Sidney, Maine entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior in heaven on December 25, 2015. She loved Jesus so deeply she chose his birthday to enter into His kingdom. Born in Dedham, Massachusetts on May 21, 1929, to the late John and Mary (Malone) Soulnier, Bernie moved to Sidney when she was eighteen where she met her beloved husband Edward Goff. They were married on October 14, 1949, at St. Theresa's Church in Oakland. During their sixty-three years of marriage, they travelled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, including trips to Hawaii and Alaska, and spent many winters in Florida welcoming friends and family into their home. Their steadfast love and devotion to one another was never more apparent than in their final years together when poor health separated them and Ed visited his beautiful bride daily. Bernie was always known as a woman of faith and deep spiritual devotion; her love of Jesus was passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spread with enthusiasm to all who knew her. She was a beacon of God's love, living her faith daily, touching all those who came into contact with her. Her greatest desire in life was for her family to know the unconditional love of her Lord and Savior. Bernie was a warrior for Christ spreading his word and ministering into her final days. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Theresa's Church in Oakland for several decades. Bernie was remarkable in every role she played, deeply committed to her family as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and a friend to all who knew her. Her door was always open to family and friends- welcoming all with her gentle, contagious smile, open arms and a request for a big hug. She was happiest when surrounded by the love of her family and took every opportunity to tell those she loved what they meant to her. She was a fantastic cook, making favorites that drew the always-growing family together for Sunday dinners. She also took great pride in preparing fresh vegetables from the family's garden for all to enjoy. Bernie enjoyed oil-pointing, 3-D paper art, and crocheting; as with everything else, she was very generous with her craft. She was also active in town activities, serving as president of the former Health Council. Bernadette was predeceased by her husband of sixty-three years, Edward Russell Goff, her first grandson, Scott Robert Thorne, her sisters, Mary Soulnier Busby, Dorothy Soulnier Grant, Patricia Soulnier, Lorraine Soulnier Johnson, and her brother, John Soulnier. She is survived by four children: Kathy Thorne and her husband, Rob of Sidney; Edward (Ned) Goff and wife Ann of Skowhegan; Gale Loveitt and her husband, Gene, of Augusta; Lendall Goff and wife, Wynne, of Sidney; and a nephew, Mark Smith of Clinton, whom she raised through his teen years. She is also survived by eight dear grandsons: Jeremy Thorne, Edward Goff, Nate Goff, K. Peter Allen, Albert Goff, James Goff, Lendall Goff, and Jordan Goff, and four cherished granddaughters: Kimberly Allen Ladig, Heather Allen Karagiannes, Mary Loveitt and Danielle Goff Libby who will all miss their grandmother incredibly. Bernie (Mamma) also was a blessing to her 22 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews in several states. Sisters-in-law Gladys McCluskey and Rowena Soulnier also survive her. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Notre Dame De Lourdes, 273 Water Street, Skowhegan, ME. The celebration will continue at the attached Parish Hall immediately following the service with committal held at the Goff Cemetery, River Road, Sidney, ME, in the afternoon. We, the family of this wonderful woman, would like to thank the staff and administration of Woodlawn Nursing Home. Our heartfelt thanks to the nurses and CNAs - their kindness and compassion during this difficult time went above and beyond our expectations. We will forever hold you in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, 41 Main Street, Skowhegan, ME 04976 in appreciation for their tender care during Bernie's final days.