Chris Goff

Christine Goff was born Tuesday December 22nd, 1926 in Sarasota Fl. She passed away Friday April 25th, 2025 in Estero, Fl. Christine was the 10th child born to James Steely Goff and Ellen Hawkins Goff of Murdock, FL.

She is preceded in death by 2 husbands, Chet McDermet, and Frank Maiewski, 8 brothers, James, Elmer, Woodrow, Belford, Charlie, Frank, P.O., and Lonnie, and one sister, Marie.

She is survived by Daughter Joan Laboda (Rick) of Canton, GA, and son Steve McDermet (Belinda) of Bonita Springs, FL., along with too many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren to count.

Born into one of the original pioneer families of Charlotte County, she was raised around the Englewood / Murdock area where her father was a sharecrop farmer for the well-known Frizzel family who owned a great deal of land in the area, raising cattle and produce. Many of Christine's brothers were also employed by the Frizzel family, riding cattle, and were referred to as what was known as a Florida Cracker, or crackers, so named for the long whips they carried to round up the cows.

In 1948, Chris, as she liked to be called, married Chester (Chet) McDermet, a WW2 Army buddy of her brother Lonnie and embarked on a new life far away from her family in Florida. In Long Island, NY Chris and Chet would spend many years raising their 2 children, Joanie and Steve before parting ways in the early "70's. Bound and determined to make it on her own, Chris remained in Long Island and eventually remarried Frank Maiewski. With Joanie and Steve grown and out on their own, she once again assumed the role of mother to Frank's 3 children, Frank, Eileen, and Richard. Chris also enjoyed even more grandchildren and great grandchildren from this blended family. She remained in Long Island until 2012 when Frank's failing health forced them to move from their treasured home, and hearing the call to return to her roots, she moved to Fort Myers, FL and then to Estero, FL due to suffering poor health herself. Chris passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her beloved state of Florida.

A graveside service for Chris will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Charlotte Harbor Cemetery, Church Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33980.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.