Sally Barbara (Luce) Goddard

Sally L. Goddard passed away peacefully, in the presence of family, on the evening of January 2, 2023, at the age of 97. Born Sally Barbara Luce, May 9, 1925, in Cooperstown, New York, to the late Torry Briggs Luce and Mildred Marie (Martin) Luce. She was the younger sister of the late Torry James Luce. She was also predeceased by her former husband, Harold D. Goddard; best friend and sister-in-law, Mary Goddard; brother-in-law, Ronald Goddard; brother in-law, William Goddard (Marion); and nephew, Gary Goddard. She is survived by her seven loving children, Donna Goddard Woodard (Jim), Thomas Goddard (Janet), Cathy Goddard Maisch (friend Robert Downer), Laurie Goddard Billings, Susan Goddard Boyd (Michael Boland), Steven Goddard (Sandy), Marnie Goddard Carter (Mark); two special nieces, Brenda Goddard Diescher (John) and Linda Goddard; special nephew, Billy Goddard (Dawn); and a dear family friend, Tony Matt.

Sally is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Torry Schoch (Jenna), Megan Bates (Jeffrey), Erin Fix (Carl), Kiersten Owen (Brian Schult), Krystle Corlett (Tim), Timothy Maisch (Lauren), Lincoln Billings (Erika), Lauren Kinney (Aaron), Lily Jones (Garret), Austin Boyd (Lisa), Jessica Roberts (Paul), Steven Goddard, Zachary Carter, Mackenzie Carter, and Tanner Carter. Sally is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Those grandchildren blessed her with 20 great-grandchildren, Ella Schoch, Eli Schoch, Trystan Bates (Christie), Kennedy Bates, Colton Bates, Everett Fix, Jackson Fix, Reagan Owen, Brady Owen, Avenly Corlett, Jovelyn Corlett, Taven Corlett, Lucy Maisch, Rosalie Maisch, Sullivan Maisch, Easton Billings, Ellamae Billings, Harper Kinney, Abell Kinney, Declan Boyd, and 2 more great grandchildren due in the Spring.

Sally grew up in Cortland, New York. After graduating from high school, she attended Fairfax Junior College in Fairfax, Virginia. Shortly after college, she returned to Cortland, where she met her future husband on a blind date. They went on to have seven children (though she always said she “wanted a dozen”). Sally was the most caring and devoted mother. Her entire life revolved around her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She was beyond generous to everyone she met.

Sally and her family lived in various places throughout New York: Homer, Clarence, and New Hartford. She easily made friends wherever she lived. Sally was an expert seamstress, starting out at the young age of 7. Sally would make the most beautiful creations from any fabric at hand. Her daughters were lucky enough to walk in on the first day of school with a beautiful new dress every year. Later, she sewed all of her passion and love into their wedding dresses. Her creativity and artistic gifts have clearly been passed on from generation to generation. Her baking skills were unequivocally better than anyone around, especially the cookies. Family gatherings are what she coveted most; she made every holiday truly magical. She also loved to dance. Her kindness made the world a better place.

Sally was truly a remarkable woman living each day to the fullest. Sally’s spirited nature and determination were lifelong characteristics. She often shared captivating stories filled with adventure that will live on forever with her family. Sally lived a wonderful life and was cherished by all. She will be greatly missed.

Sally’s family would like to thank the entire staff of the 2nd floor at Menorah Park. Their love and devotion to Sally will never be forgotten.

For those wishing, donations in Sally’s memory may be made to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital at upstatefoundation.org and specify Golisano Children’s Hospital.

A private family celebration to honor Sally’s life will be held in the future.

Her legacy lives on in each of her family members, and what a legacy that is.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sally Barbara (Luce) Goddard, please visit our floral store.