CIRIELLO & CARR- FAIRLAWN
Mary Eileen (Beck) Goepfert passed away at home on August 7, 2021 at the golden age of 96. She was born on February 9, 1925 in Akron, Ohio to Leo and Elizabeth (Breen) Beck.
She met Charles (Chuck) Goepfert in high school, when he worked as an usher at the Highland theatre. Following a courtship via letters during WWII, they married in 1946 upon his return from the Pacific Theatre.
Mary pursued her nursing career, graduating from St. Thomas School of Nursing. She always 'had the calling' to care for others, and it inspired daughter and granddaughter to also enter the profession of nursing. Chuck worked in Engineering Control at Goodyear Tire and Rubber /company for 25 years, before switching careers to develop cemeteries in the Akron area and Patterson, NJ. It was Chuck's new career that allowed them to travel internationally - often with good friends, and to enjoy the people and cultures in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, Canada - and many States in the US.
Mary was the last surviving of 7 children - and was preceded in death by Betty (Joseph) Golish, Leo (Lillian)Beck, James (Hermina) Beck, Anne (Edward) Vallish; also brothers, Lawrence and Richard.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, who passed away in 2012. After his death, Mary and daughter Susan moved to Boise, Idaho to be closer to daughter, Joanna (Jim) Phillips and grandchildren: Christine (Jim) Herwy, James Stoll and Hilary (David) Oakes, as well as three great- granddaughters: Alesia, Olivia and Aspen, all who survive Mary. As great-grandmother, "Gigi" blanketed her little girls with love and shared her faith in God. Mary also leaves behind a special niece Lorene (William) Phelps, who was with Mary and family at the time of her death.....and many other beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Mary was a long-time member of St. Sebastian Church, having graduated grade school there prior to attending St. Vincent High School. She continued the second part of her spiritual life at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Boise after her move at age 86. She made many new friends through the Red Hat Angels group of St. Mark's, CCW and the Cursillo group, cultivating a sisterhood of prayer and spirituality.
She also thoroughly enjoyed a monthly game of Bunco with the ladies in our neighborhood, sharing laughter and stories of family - and damned if she didn't have THE BEST LUCK with her special dice roll!
Mary was known for her gentle soul, her kindness and always having an encouraging word for family and friends alike. Though she had two daughters, she had much more love to share - and was considered a second Mother figure to many. There will be many who miss her gift of listening, sage advice and her ongoing prayers for health and well-being.
The family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospice for their kindness, responsiveness for anything that Mary needed, and their warm hugs in greeting her with each visit. A particular thanks go to the two Tami's who kept Mary's spirits up, and gave her permission to accept the progression and directives of her illness.
Calling hours 5:30-8:00p.m. Friday at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Rd in Fairlawn.
Mass of Christian Burial 11a.m. Saturday, August 14th at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Lung Association, St. Sebastian Church in Akron, Ohio, St. Mark's Church in Boise or St. Luke's Hospice in Boise.
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Akron Beacon Journal
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