Obituary of Mary Gooch

The always amazing, ever curious and forever spunky Mary Fletcher (Brown) Goodrich of Cortland, New York passed away on January 20, 2013 at the Cortland Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 84. Born on November 5th, 1928 in Boston, Massachusetts to Victor and Jean Brown, both lifelong officers of the Salvation Army. Instilled with her parents spirit of faith and service, Mary's example was a gift to every person who knew her. For 30 years, from 1948 until 1978, she was married to the first, great love of her life, Anthony DiPietro Jr. until his passing on January 20,1978. Their great love was rewarded with three amazing daughters that continue to spread the joy of life that they were raised with. In 1986 she married the second great love of her life, Irving Goodrich. For the next 26 years they would share their love of traveling, the ease of morning & evening rituals and the joy of watching their grown children shine. In her early years Mary was a member of Beta Chi Omicron. She was also a long time communicant of St. Anthony's Church and member of the Altar Society. Mary was an administrative employee at Smith Corona for 28 years until her retirement. In 1984 she was voted the prestigious award "Secretary of the Year." After she retired, she volunteered at Cortland Memorial Hospital and Cortland City School District. Mary loved the Boston Red Sox, Jeopardy and she never met a crossword puzzle that she couldn't solve. Put a player piano in front of Mary and the true definition of moxie was realized. She is survived by her younger brother Victor (Nancy) Brown of Elgin, South Carolina; her beloved husband Irving Goodrich of Cortland, New York; her three daughters Nancy DiPietro (Willard) Northrop of Old Lyme, Connecticut; Donna DiPietro (Robert) Pufky of Newbury Park, California; and Nina DiPietro (Michael) MacLean of Cortland, New York; three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Upon marrying Irving Goodrich she welcomed three step children: Steven (Susan) Goodrich of Salt Lake City, Utah; Scott (Rosie) Goodrich of Skaneateles, New York; Susan (Jeff) Perleoni of El Cajon, California: four grand children and two great grandchildren. A special thanks to the caring staff members at Whispering Pines and Cortland Park Nursing of Cortland, New York. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 25th at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church 50 Pomeroy Street with Father Lucian officiating. Internment will be held at St. Mary's cemetery. Family will receive friends and memories of Mary at the Wright Beard funeral home 9 Lincoln Avenue Cortland, New York Thursday January 24th from 4-7. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Cortland Salvation Army or the National Alzheimer's Association 441 Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse NY 13204. Sincere condolences, Irv and Mary's families, for the loss of Mary. We have many good,happy memories as do you, of Mary. These will help you at this sad time. Blessings, Vivian and Jack