Irene Goda

Irene Goda, 91, of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at home. She was born on January 26, 1929 in Merkstein, Germany to Ferdinand and Cornelia (Hartman) Broecker. Irene is survived by her children: John C. Goda and wife Jennifer of Canon City, CO; Janice Irene Phillips and husband Larry of Georgetown, IN; and daughter Deborah Goda-Rickard of Terre Haute; grandchildren: Shane Goda, John Lee Phillips, Alex Scott Phillips, John J. McCalister and wife April, and Megan Irene Blanchard and husband Chance; and three great-grandchildren, Andrew Goda, Mickaela Flock, Kellin Blanchard, and Violet Irene Blanchard. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Goda, Jr.; sisters, Elizabeth Watkins and Emilia Weisamann; and a brother, Ferdinand Broecker. Irene was well known in North Terre Haute as a business owner after purchasing the Majestic Tavern and Cafe with her husband and later Robert's Tavern that she renamed Mr. Jiggs in memory of her late husband, John "Jiggs" Jr. Born with a kind, altruistic spirit, she used her notoriety to help others in need. Irene hosted a yearly auction to benefit the Christmas Fund; helped purchase items, assembled, and distributed Christmas baskets of food and toys to needy families; and would lend a helping hand and listening ear to anyone. Irene was elected to the Board of Trustees for Otter Creek Township, where she served the full term. She was an avid supporter of the Veteran’s Day parade and was an active member of both the American Legion Post 104 and VFW Post 972 Auxiliaries. Irene was a member of the Twelve Points Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 528. Irene served in many capacities for the ILBA, including National Director and the first woman President of the association. She also was a Past President and Treasurer of the WVBA. The City of Terre Haute honored Irene by proclaiming September 6, 2003 as Irene Goda Day for her commitment to her community. In her spare time, Irene enjoyed gardening, Nascar, and was a diehard Colts fan. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with family and friends. She was a kind, loving, and generous soul who will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 at Mattox-Wood Funeral Home with rites performed by the Order of the Eastern Star at 7 p.m. A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 28 at the funeral home. Irene will be laid to rest next to her husband in Roselawn Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mattoxwood.com