Mary A Godin

Mary was born on June 3rd 1932 in Gary, Indiana to Jesus Fuentes Aguilar and Refugio Medellin Barron. She was raised by her grandmother and stayed in Gary until she graduated from Froebel High school in 1951. While in high school she was a member of the high school band, playing the clarinet.

After graduating, Mary moved to El Paso Texas to be closer to family. She worked at jewelry store and a furniture store in Juarez Mexico and an auto parts store in El Paso.

Mary met and later married Raymond Godin on January 29 1956 in El Paso Texas. Together they raised three children. Life in the military resulted in many transfers: Florida, California, Alabama, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and finally Papillion. Mary always made the best of every situation and proved to be most resourceful with each new home. Ray and Mary divorced in 1980 and she decided to stay in Papillion to be close to her children.

Mary was known to be a great cook, Sunday dinners were a way to keep her family close. Her enchiladas with all the trimmings, chicken and rice, refried beans and salsa were a family favorite. Her lasagna was a close second, frequently requested by her grandchildren.

Besides cooking for friends and family, Mary enjoyed gardening, yard work, sewing, crochet, embroidery, playing card and board games, clean jokes, game shows on TV and Mexican music. Occasional trips to the casinos were also fun to her.

A faithful woman, Mary always started her day with prayers of thanks for her health, family and friends. She valued time with family, always willing to help in any way she could, meeting life a positive outlook. She treasured her amazing neighbors and appreciated their help as things became harder for her to do herself. Mary lived with careful wisdom - reluctant to use credit or be in debt, always saving up and paying with cash and on time. She often spoke of the difference between needing and wanting. Her generosity was one of her strongest traits.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Jesus and Refugio, aunt Carmen Medellin, sisters Maria Eugenia Barron, Josefina Frausto, Margarita Amaya and brother Victor Abrahan Barron, and significant other Merle Neunaber.

She is survived by her children Michael (Crystal) of Fremont, David (Karen) of Council Bluffs, Cheryl Tilson (Kurt) of Omaha, sister Cuqui Portillo and brother Juan Eduvuges Barron of El Paso.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff at Nye Legacy and Nye Square for the compassionate and loving care provided while she was there.

“Mom, we will always remember your gentle encouragements and positive attitude towards life’s challenges. You were an inspirational mentor and the memories we have will be greatly cherished. Your time here with us is done but like you said everything has a beginning and an end, but your impact will live on through us.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.