Dorothy V. Goodwin, 83, of Nashua, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Sunday evening, November 8, 2015 at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH.
A daughter of the late Otis and Dorothy (Parks) Godfrey, Dorothy was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 21, 1932 and grew up in the South Shore area. She was a graduate of Weymouth High School and later pursued her passion for art at the School of Practical Arts in Boston. Dorothy married the love of her life, Ralph O. Goodwin, on June 9th, 1954 and they moved to Nashua two years later.
During their early years in the city, Dorothy was an active member of a number of civic groups including the Nashua Junior Women’s Club and the Nashua Artist’s Association. Known for her beautiful landscapes and portraits, she exhibited her work at a Manchester gallery and art shows including the annual Art Association event at Greeley Park each summer.
Her deepest fulfillment, however, came through her love for the Lord and service to others. Together with her husband, Dorothy ministered to the hurting, forgotten and marginalized for over 20 years at the church they founded, Sheepfold Assembly of God on Spruce St., as well as at the State Hospital in Concord and several area nursing homes. She was a gifted teacher of the Word, a humble leader and mentor, and a faithful intercessor.
Dorothy will be remembered for her unwavering faith, exuberant joy and infectious laughter. She saw unique value and potential in everyone as she daily sought to offer hope, encouragement and comfort. Her fervent prayers on behalf of so many will be deeply missed but we are grateful for her legacy of service, compassion and love for all, especially to the least of these.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Ralph, on January 15, 2013. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Donna & Richard Plourde of Nashua, David & Anne Goodwin of Seattle, WA and Laura & Kevin Kennedy of Nashua; eight grandchildren, Joshua Plourde, Christopher Plourde, Rachel Smith, Rebecca Eggers, Ben Goodwin, Joseph Goodwin, Elisabeth Goodwin, and Megan Kennedy; one great-grandson, Bradley Eggers; a brother and sister-in-law, Otis & Marie Godfrey; and one sister, Constance Sylvester.
SERVICES: A Celebration of Her Life will be held at Gate City Church (formerly Grace Fellowship), 43 Main Street, Nashua, on Monday, November 16th at 6:00 pm. The family will receive friends at the church from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Interment will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Home Health & Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
