Wendy, I am so sorry we did not have the time to meet again, I found you on facebook, I wrote a message and to my surprissed Ben replied to me. I remember when I first met you, my mother came home with you, we were all very surprised since my mother spoke no English and you did not speak Spanish, this was in Comayagua, Honduras. Who would heve guessed that years later I would be in your house in Tybee Island Georgia,I met your husband Ben, your brother and his then fiance and a priest whose name I think is Dave. You were a terrific, glamorous, full of love lady, who jelped me so much in defining my self as a peace advocate, many years have passed by since we said goodbye in the airport in Savannah, and I hope to come back to walk on the beach in front of your house, only that this time you will not be around, but certainly Michelle and Ben will be there and we will share a coffee and we will talk abut our wonderful time together in Comayagua, Savannah, and Saint Agustine Florida. God bless you always Wendy. 
  Elvis Centeno. Sapporo, Japan.

Wendy,

You will Forever be my Eternal Friend, and always be remembered with lots of Love

Ben, 
Thinking of you as I am sure the past few weeks have been especially hard.
You are being thought of, prayed for and (I know) looked after by your own heavenly angel.

Wendy has and will always be my dearest and best friend, ever since I knew of her departure these has been the most painful moments I have ever lived in my life, my sincere condolence to my dearwst Ben, Jill, Michelle, Claire, Father Gabe and Doctor Bosque. 

Thursdays are my fasting and praying days so I choose this day to share my love appreciation and gratitude to a very Special Woman that had left this earth before me, Wendy Goggins who after an unnusual encounter we had here on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua, had ment to be more than just a friend to me, I often  believed that the Lord had send an Angel to my life at the moment I needed Him the most.  

After Wendy visited some of the communities on the South part of this Region on her way back true Bluefields Nicaragua the Lord had a purpose for our lifes, then after so many visits that she made to me and I to her these are the words she always say to me: The day you and I met will always be cherish, my friend no matter where I am or what I am doing, when you comes to my mind a smile comes to my face.
The proper day we met more than twenty years ago I would never forger how her warm and motherly heart pured out for her daughter Jill, we hold hands together and prayed for her and all her love ones. Dear Jill, Michelle and baby Claire you are often in my prayers.

Wendy always gave thanks for her precious Ben, when she talks about his kindness and lovingness to her she always say thats my soulmate, Nora I don´t know what I would do without my Ben.
Oh how she loved Father Gabe she would share all the wonderful experiences they all three shared together, he was her spiritual guide.

Three months after I met Wendy we had the destruction of our region true the hurricane Joan, it wasnt four days after the desaster when Ben came to visit me and my family asuring that we were all well, she pack from a niddle right up to any other inmediate need we had to fasten those hard moments.

Wendy has always seen a very special potential in me she always inspired me to share always with the needed ones,and to keep dreaming cause this only takes the will of the heart, I often cry because they were so many things I wanted to share with her about how my life had change today that I have become a Comunnal Leader in my Region. I will mist her so much.

Dear love ones and friends, lets just place in our hearts that she has left for a long journey and even if our paths have went in these separate directions that won´t change the bond that we shared and whats in our hearts, but Wendy whether it's across the miles or just a short distance, you are and will always be a part of my life and me.

-Nora Newball

Wendy has been a special person in my life for many years. She was the primary reason I became involved in medical missionary work in Guatemala. Wendy introduced me to the poor of Central America with her stories of her experiences in Nicaragua when it was so dangerous to be there, especially for a woman. Her faith in God, her strong will and her courage were beautiful and inspiring. She got me involved through Nora, her friend from Nicaragua that she and Ben rescued. Wendy mothered Nora and her family when they needed her most and probably saved their lives. 
Wendy constantly encouraged me to pursue my desire to help the poor of Guatemala and we shared many stories. I will miss her, for she changed my life and helped to give it purpose.

Ben, you're in our thoughts here in Naples and with my extended family and friends in Nicaragua who knew and loved you and Wendy. I read all the messages that others wrote about Wendy's life and not only I was moved with what everybody wrote but I also realized the impact she had on my life. 

I'm a native Nicaraguan and I met Wendy in Managua in the late 1980s when I was a teenager. She had gone there with a mission with Witness for Peace and at some point during that trip she was brave to decide to break away from the group. She wanted to travel on her own to understand the reality of a country at war. She told me that she didn't want to see the city and the people seating in the inside of an air conditioned tour bus.

We met in front of the American embassy in Managua as we both had gone there to protest against the the US government support of the contras. She came right up to me with a big smile and introduced herself. She saw as a good sign that I had my little green parrot named Ghandi on one of my shoulders. That was the first time I had done that with my parrot which we later freed.

She was looking for lodging and I offered my house to stay which was near a Christian Base Community center. I told her in my broken English that my family and I were very poor and her face turned to kindness as she whispered "I know what it is to be poor". I felt an instant connection with her sincere words that came from her heart. She met my family and quickly she met our community leaders who came to respect and love Wendy.

I noticed immediately that everybody that met her had that instant connection with Wendy. She was one of those rare individuals we meet in life who knows instinctively what to do and what to say at the right time. I could write a book about all the work she did in Managua and the life lessons I learned from her just by observing her actions.

I want to share a funny story that I'm sure Ben heard Wendy tell so many times laughing. Once we needed to get somewhere and due to lack of transportation in Managua we decided to hitch hike. Two cool motorcyclists rode by and stopped and they waved to us to hop on their bikes. 

They took us on the most amazing panoramic tour of Managua up and down hills with the wind on our face laughing. When we arrived to our destination we realized that the motorcyclists did not know each and had gone out of the way to take us safely to our final point. We parted ways with the motorcyclists and we walked away from them ready to take on the world.

Wendy had an exuberant smile that radiated hope and she passed down that to me at a time when I needed it most. Now I'm in my early 40s and I have lived in the US for twenty years and I have lived my life with many of the lessons I learned from her. She taught me that women need to help each and learn from each other. Now I teach knitting as therapy once a month at my local women shelter. I'm passionate about the environment and about teaching my daughters to make choices that will impact out planet in a positive way. 

Wendy taught me that faith keeps us strong in times of adversity. She taught me to believe in my abilities and to work hard.

I'm sad that Wendy is gone but I feel that I was so fortunate that I met her and Ben. I could write a lot more about Ben too but this is in honor of Wendy. She told me and my family in Nicaragua that Ben was her rock because he supported her and believed in her even when it meant for Wendy to travel to dangerous places. 

In Nicaragua we all knew about Ben and their daughters Michelle and Jill because Wendy always talked about them with so much love. 

Over the years I always phoned or wrote to Wendy in times when I had doubts or needed advise. She was honest and told me things that sometimes was difficult to admit but I knew she was right because she spoke with loving words.

I was so blessed that I met her in Managua and that we had a friendship that lasted over two decades. Her memory will remain in my heart when I work in the organic garden at started at one of my daughter's school, or the afghan I knitted for our local catholic charity, or every yarn that I purchase from a fair traded organic coop.I wished I could have told her of my plans this year of going back to school to study sustainable fashion I know she'd to talk about that so much. Thank you Wendy.

Ben--

You have been in my thoughts over the past two months--I was extremely saddened by Wendy's passing.

There are some people in life with whom you feel an immediate connection.  Wendy was one of those people for me.  From the day I met her I felt welcomed into her world.  I was struck by Wendy's kind, fun-loving spirit and by her caring for the people and animals around her.  You both have been wonderful, supportive friends and neighbors to us and you  have remained on our hearts in the recent months.

Although I wish I had known Wendy longer, I will remember her fondly and will carry her influence with me throughout life.  

With Warmest Thoughts--

Dear Ben, Jill Michelle and family,
So very sorry to hear about Wendy.
Although I had not seen her in a while, she was often in my thoughts.
She was and will remain my soul sister.
Peace and love to all of you
Terry Laidlaw and family

Having spoken to Wendy for the first time over the phone on May 14, I was immediately struck by her warmth, enthusiasm and loving nature.  My wife and I were delighted by the prospect of travelling to Tybee Island and meeting her in person and for me to see Ben again after forty three years.  While we were shocked and saddened by the news of her unexpected and swift passing, we are convinced that the Lord could wait no longer for her homecoming and that he had prepared a place for her in the Church Triumphant.  We pray for the consolation of Ben and their family, and rest in the certainty that she continues to be a force for good from the other side.

Ben,
I am so sorry and shocked to hear the news of Wendy’s passing.  I am thankful for our visit at the fortieth Del Norte High class reunion.  She was so very much in love with you and proud of you.  From her correspondence, it was obvious that you made her as happy and fulfilled in life as any woman could be.   
My thoughts are with you and your family
Bill Cassman

I went looking for Wendy on Facebook and was so sad when this obituary appeared in the search results. I’ve had this page open in a browser window for the past few weeks and keep coming back to it. It’s time that I posted my remembrance of her. 

I lived in Savannah back in the late 80's/early 90's. I met Wendy when I worked with her at Brighter Day. She befriended me almost immediately after we met. I think she saw a kindred spirit, one who shared her love of garage sales and a fascination with our eccentric customers. She was so much fun to be with, no matter what we were doing she made it interesting and always seemed to inject some kind of mischief into it! Wendy was a real pixie. 

What surprised me though was that she had faith in me. She often encouraged me to pursue my interests as a way to make a living, such as opening a coffee shop or vintage clothing store.  It was a real boost to have someone in my life who thought I was capable of such endeavors. She helped me to change the way that I thought about myself. 

And subtly, she helped me to personalize my relationship with Catholicism and religion in general. Only now can I see her effect on me in that area. Wendy often spoke with me about Catholics and other persons of faith who spent their lives working for Peace. She had photos of them in her home and told me their stories. She and Ben often worked on projects of their own to help the poor. Without saying it, she showed me by example of how to live in faith, and this was never saddled with expectations of obligation or church attendance on my part.  Her lessons were simple and quiet, such as “Here’s what I’m reading… it’s about a guru in India.” or “Are you familiar with Thomas Merton? I’ll show you a picture.” and  “We are sending clothes and food there…” She shared as a friend, but I see now that I was being taught by a master.

I grew up seeing pictures of Mary and Jesus with their sacred hearts exposed, but not understanding the spiritual meaning and beauty of these images until I saw that love, selflessness, and devotion in Wendy. How lucky I am to have known her.

Wendy was a beautiful woman who lived her life in a quest for peace and justice. She valued simplicity and quietness.

I remember most:

1. The deep love between Ben and Wendy
2. Her infectious laugh and playful spirit
3. What a good cook she was, particularly her baked goods
4. Her excitement at finding a really good garage sale item.
5. Her love for animals
6. Her spirituality.

My heart goes out to Ben and to her two beautiful daughters, Jill and Michelle. May God comfort you and make His Spirit known to you in the difficult days to come.God bless you all.

I met Wendy on the first date I had with my husband of almost 33 years, John O'Neill.  He and Wendy worked together at the time.  She was so precious and said something to the effect that "I knew you'd finally find the right girl." I'll never forget that.  She will be missed.

A small poem for you Ben:

Wherever the ocean meets the sky
There will be memories of you and I
When I look up at that sky so blue
All I see are visions of you

I pray for Wendy every day; the Blessed Lord has taken her in his big strong arms, and enfolded her to his chest, granting her solace and comfort. May you too find solace and comfort, knowing she is safe in Gods  arms. 

Wendy is very much missed by so many people here whose lives she touched, and we remember her joyfulness and happy smile so well. May God bless you and help you through this most difficult time.

Even half way across the country, Wendy was part of my life. We talked by phone to share family news and events. And when we  talked it was for hours. I think Wendy talked me through every possible high and low point in my adult life. I find myself remembering every conversation and topic we shared. Although she won't be there to call, she will always be alive in my heart.
When Mike and I married we were absolutely broke. We came to Savannah to have Gabe marry us in his church. Wendy used some church props that happened to be there to fix up the church and reception hall as a surprise for us. She watched the girls so Mike and I could have a short honeymoon. As we were broke, (we didn't even have gas money to go anywhere) we had our honeymoon over in the rectory of the church:)  All these years later Mike and I still remember and laugh. 
No matter what---Wendy seemed to make absolutely everything a little bit better.  
My own life was enhanced by a 25 year friendship with one of God's true gifts.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The world is a better place because she was here.

Ben,
Wendy truly lived her faith. I admired her greatly and know that she rests in the arms of One Who loves her even more than you do. My prayers are with you and the girls at this time of somber joy.
-Ellen

Wendy was a wonderful woman whom everyone enjoyed having around. Although it's been years since I had seen her, I can still remember her smile and warmth. I have been praying for Ben daily and cannot imagine the grief he is dealing with. Such wonderful people and such a sad loss.

Ben,

I was so very sorry to hear about Wendy.  You're in my thoughts.

Win

Sad is the day that the world loss this Wendy!  She was a wonderfully creative and gentle woman.  She was so unique, a true one- of -a - kind.  Her loss will be felt by all of those who knew her. I know I will miss her immensely. The sudden loss was a shock!  Dear Sweet Ben, you are in my thought and my heart hurts the most for you.  As you know, Wendy loved you and felt lucky to have has such a wonderful and kind husband.   
With love,
Nichole

Ben and Michelle, I have returned home to find out about Wendy's passing and I hold you all in my heart as I remember her sweet and wonderful ways including her long term commitment to peace and justice.  Wendy was always someone who had an immediate understanding and commitment to nonviolence and the power of listening and she was a natural listener who graced our lives with her care and concern.  Love and blessings to you all,  Herb Walters, Rural Southern Voice for Peace / Listening Project

I never had the pleasure of meeting Wendy, but her generosity and spirit still touched my life. She was an old friend, and classmate of my father and she reached out to my family, sending lovely treasures in the mail. My children would gather around the boxes to see what she would send. It was like Christmas for us all! I will always remember Wendy, and know she was very loved by so many. I am so sorry for your loss! I pray that wonderful memories and love will comfort you during this time. 
My deepest sympathy,

Ben,
We were saddened to hear of the loss of your dear wife. While we only met her a couple of times, it was obvious she had special talents and was such a compassionate soul. All of the good she did will live on as a testament to her life well lived. We hope your family finds comfort in your memories and the knowledge of Wendy's selfless service to others.

Ben, Jill, Michelle, Butch, Aunt Julia and extended family,
   I want you to know that I share your loss of Wendy and pray God will give you strength as you face the future without her with you here on earth.  As we face the decisions and challenges ahead, let's remember the lessons she taught us about enjoying life to the fullest and helping others along the way.

Ben, it was really sad to hear that Wendy has passed away. Also we miss her remembering her kindness and goodheartedness. We hope you have power to continue without Wendy.
Ritva and Ilmo, Pori Finland

Ben, Nonie called to say that Wendy had died and before we hung up she emphasized how important it is for each of us to live each day as if it's our last because there's no guarantee of a tomorrow. So true. I didn't know Wendy but our phone reunion in April gave me hope that I would before too long. If the deceased live on in the hearts of those who love them then I have no doubt that when we finally get together, I will meet her at last.

Dear Ben, Jill, Michelle and family,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Wendy's death. She brought so much goodness and kindness to everyone she met. We have warm memories of the times we all spent together praying, learning and laughing together. We still treasure the wedding gift you and Wendy gave us 25 years ago: a picture with the quote from Exodus, "Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? God said 'I will be with You.' " Wendy taught us in her humble way that all things are possible with God's strength and grace. That is a beautiful legacy. You are all in our prayers during this time of grief.

One of the great things about Wendy is that she brought so much light heartedness and laughter to the task of resolving the terribly serious issues she took on.  She could organize and she could giggle!  Rest in Peace dear friend.
Marnie Myeers Walters
Rural Southern Voice for Peace
Celo, NC

My heart goes out to Ben and all those that remain here that loved Wendy. God places Angels on earth with very special missions. Wendy is HIS Angel, and has brought joy to so many. Her beauty and Grace will live on through all those she touched and the those who lives are new having known her.
Its a priviledge to have met Wendy...
she was such a gracious woman.

Dear Ben,
Hold fast the wonderful memories you and Wendy shared through the years as I know there were many.  She helped so many including me and asked for nothing in return.  Her good works will not be forgotten.  Our angel Wendy is at peace in God's loving care.  May God bless you in this time of sorrow and always.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Ben, You are in the hearts and prayers of your entire extended family down here in Florida. Love, Lynell(McCool)Payne

Dear Ben and family,
I was so sad when I read Wendy’s obituary.  I am able to read today because of her.  She was my tutor in 1983 and 1984.  She taught me to read in the SALT program.  She never missed our lessons at the library or in her own home.  I was able to make a better life for my family because of her.  I will never forget her.  She treated me like a true friend.

DEAR  BEN AND FAMILY

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH
OF YOUR WIFE AND MOTHER AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE.
OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS BE WITH YOU ALL.

DEACON BOB AND DELL O,NEILL

DEAR BEN AND FAMILY

OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOU ALL ON THE DEATH
OF YOUR WIFE AND MOTHER AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE.

OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS BE WITH YOU ALL.

DEACON BOB O,NEILL AND DELL

Dear Ben and family,  Life is fleeting but Wendy made each moments count. Her constant concern and love of others could be seen daily. May your faith and cherished memories bring you peace in the days ahead.

Ben,
We were stunned to hear of your loss just prior to you and Wendy coming down for a visit. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Tom McCool & Family

Ben & family, our deepest condolences...We have lost a very special person, a cherished friend to myself & family.."peace" is now with her.Bless her soul.

Ben, I am so sorry for your loss. Wendy was and is a beautiful person. She had a kind heart and was loved by many.  Our prayers are with you.

Ben and Gabe, our hearts are broken with the news of Wendy.  We will be asking God's help in easing your incredible pain.  We love you.

I would like to thank the friends and other family members of my mother and Ben who have sent messages through the Guest Book and email and by phone. There is comfort and strength in the words of others and I appreciate all the prayers for our family. We will all certainly need them in the coming days.

ben.... she cherished you above all else. she was a great lover of life and  truly appreciated hers. i was honored to have her as a friend. she was smart, funny and a wonderful listener and i will miss her deeply.

Dear Ben,Jill,Michelle and family,
We were shocked and saddened of your news of the death of Wendy. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We will always cherish our memories of Wendy.

Ben and family, I am very sorry of your lost. I will remember Wendy forever and her beautiful, creative mind. She had so much to say through art and she  shows how deeply is her faith for God.

Adios Wendy!. Siempre te recordamos de tu tiempo que pasastes en Nicaragua!...Siempre recordare a Wendy como parte de mi adolecencia!.

Con mucho cariño desde NICARAGUA!

I am so, so sorry to hear this news.  My prayers and condolences go to you, Ben, and the whole family.
Albert Romkema (Toronto, Canada)

Ben,

My condolences to you and your family.  I have felt so close to the two of you for all that was done for Thelma.  I know her passing is a great loss to you, but a loss to so many others as well.  She was a good soul and a kind and loving person.  I will miss her a great deal.

Ben, we are shocked by this terrible news and are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We’re carefully keep the good and precious memories we have of our visits to Savannah and the time we spent with Wendy and yourself in The Netherlands.

Dear Ben and Family,
We are so very sorry to learn of your great loss.  We know how much you two loved each other and the special bond that you shared. I loved her too and I am so happy that she was my friend. I am so grateful for the precious time that I got to know both of you and for the time that we all spent together. I cherish those memories and will never forget them.  I can't grasp the fact that she is gone and in Heaven now. It is just so sudden I guess. She was a very wonderful, kindhearted person who touched many people in her journey of life.  Our prayers are with all of you. God Bless

Wendy will always be remembered in Managua, Nicaragua. I met her there in the 1980's when she first went on a mission with "Witness for Peace". 

She returned on her own to Managua several times during the war to personally deliver dozens of boxes of medicines and donations to start a small clinic. 

She also brought her contagious hope and optimism to an entire community along with more boxes of clothing for the needy children.

I was really blessed to have met her. Ben, my family and I send our condolences to you and your family. You're in our thoughts.

Ben, 

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family on Wendy's passing.   May you find strength and support in your faith, family and friends.

Ben, I'm sorry to read about your wife passing. I hope the rest of your family is well.

Chuck Cole

Ben We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are  with you.

Dear Ben and family, Father Gabe too.  I am so sorry to hear about Wendy.  I did not know she was sick.  You will be in my prayers and I know Wendy is in Heavn.  Love, Jan

Benny, our greatest sorrow goes out to you and your family. Just know that Wendy's spirit continues with you and gives comfort, especially in these difficult days  ahead. We are thinking about you and praying for you and your family.

Benny,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Wendy. May our Lord Comfort you and the family during this most difficult time.
Fr. John and Sophia Caparisos

Ben I was so sorry to hear about Wendy. She was a wonderful person and I know you and Jill and Michelle have suffered a great loss. I tried calling but my number for you must be an old one. If there is anything at all I can do for you please call me. (921-1268)

Ben,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this most difficult time.
Cheryl Avery Gibson

To Ben,Jill,Michelle,and all of Wendy's family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Wendy's death. We know how much she meant to all of you as a wonderful wife and mother and that she was much loved by you all. She was a person of compassion and kindness with a keen social conscience. It's a terrible sadness that she was taken from her family and friends so abruptly, but we're sure she now rests peacefully in God's hands. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sorrowful time.
Joe Kelley and Jo Hailey
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Dear Ben and family;
I am so sorry to hear of the death of my dear cousin Wendy.  I will always cherish the times we spent together as kids up the creek in Superior, and at the house in Smith River.  Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you all as you mourn her loss.
Mike and Laura Scott

Dear Ben, Jill, Michelle and all who loved Wendy, 
We were so very sorry to hear of Wendy's death.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you.  Wendy had a beautiful heart and spirit and her life was a gift to many.  I will always be grateful for the friendship and love that we shared.
Peace,
Helen O'Brien

Dear Ben, Jill, Michelle and family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Wendy's death.  She was indeed a great soul who influenced many lives including my own.  Her life was a gift to so many of us, and her example of goodness changed so many.  My prayers are with you during this time of loss.  May God's peace be near to all of you.
Helen O'Brien

Dear Ben & family, What do I say other than I am so saddened by this news.  Wendy was a devoted friend who truly believed in making a difference.  Please know that you are in my prayers. God bless you all.
Anne

OBITUARY

Wendy Rae Goggins

9 April, 1947 – 17 July, 2011

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