Florence Ellen Cowgill Goddard

Florence Ellen (Cowgill) Goddard died quietly at home on December 17th, two days before her 91st birthday. A native of San Benito Texas, she has been a resident of Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, Virginia, for over ten years. Florence’s death came three months after that of her husband of seventy years, Glen Goddard. She was a warm and loving wife and mother, and won friends wherever she went.

Glen and Florence are survived by four children, Eileen Goddard Albrigo of Falls Church VA, Kathleen Goddard Moss of Alexandria VA, Robert Paul Goddard of Seattle WA, and Thomas Glen Goddard of Livingston Manor NY . They have nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, with two more on the way. Florence’s brother Robert Cowgill, 93, lives in San Benito TX.

Florence, a gifted lyric soprano, began her formal voice lessons at age 14. In 1942 she interrupted her music studies at the University of Colorado to marry Glen. As she did with all of the changes in her life, Florence viewed married life with a young Air Force flying instructor as a wonderful adventure. In a letter to her new mother-in-law shortly after her wedding (while waiting for base housing to become available), she wrote, “I’m really getting anxious to do some experimenting with my cooking with Glen as the guinea pig. I’ve warned him of just what he may be getting into but he’s willing to take a chance, so – here goes!”

In 1945, Florence returned to the same college, and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education while caring for one-year-old twin daughters. A year after her 1946 graduation, she gave birth to son Bobby. Florence became an elementary school and music teacher, changing certification and jobs often, to adapt to her husband’s Air Force assignments. While teaching in Wichita Falls Texas in 1955, she welcomed their fourth child, son Tommy. Wherever Glen’s career took the family, Florence found things to enjoy and be excited about, and she conveyed this optimism to her family

Throughout her life, Florence found ways to pursue her love of music. She shared her musical gifts with many churches, either as a soprano soloist or as choir director. While living in Riverside California, she studied voice and performed in a recital of master students in “An Evening of Opera.” In Hampton, VA, she won recognition as director of a group of Langley Air Force Base officers’ wives, The Skylarks, who performed a mix of classical, modern, and religious music for local organizations, hospitals, and television.

Early in her relationship with Glen, Florence realized she would need to develop an interest in fishing and archery if she wanted to spend much time with this young man. She became adept at both, and enjoyed a lifetime of family camping, hiking and fishing trips, and archery tournaments. She won a number of archery awards, including state and national championships. When she wasn’t competing, Florence could often be found preparing pancakes or enchiladas for the tournament participants.

After Glen’s retirement, the couple moved to Prescott Arizona, where they built a home and sold real estate. They also participated in strenuous backpacking trips, rafted the Colorado River, camped and fished in Mexico and drove their camper to Alaska. The year Florence was 70, she attracted the admiration of fellow hikers by making it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, with apparent ease.

Her family and friends will miss her bright smile and loving heart.

Contributions in Florence’s memory may be made to John Calvin Presbyterian Church (6531 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) or The Benevolent Care Fund at Greenspring (Kimberly Nelson, Director of Philanthropy, Greenspring Village, 7410 Spring Village Drive, Springfield, VA 22150).