JoAnn Mae Goddard

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of JoAnn Mae (Phillips) Goddard on May 17, 2023.

She lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. JoAnn;s journey began on June 15, 1934, in Spokane, WA, as the daughter of Joseph W. Phillips and Thelma (Courchaine) Fitzgerald. She was a loving sister to Vernon Phillips and Lonnie Limbocker. JoAnn hailed from a family with a rich history, as she was the great-granddaughter of pioneer Daniel Courchaine, who played a significant role in the early development of Spokane Valley, WA. Her family's roots in the region spanned generations, connecting her to the land and its heritage. In her youth, JoAnn met and married the love of her life, Edmund "Ed" Goddard. Their marriage endured for over 61 years and blessed them with seven children. As an Air Force family, they experienced life in France and Germany, as well as various military bases across the United States. Eventually, they settled in Prince George’s County, MD in 1971.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her father, brother Vernon, daughter-in-law Gwynne, and her mother who died in November 2022 at 107 years old.

She is survived by her husband, Edmund; three daughters: Monica (Chip) Trotter of Punta Gorda, FL, Mary Obrebski (Andy) of Gambrills, and Catherine “Cathy” (Paul) Martindale of Davidsonville; her four sons: Michael (Polly) Sayres of Collierville, TN, John (Leslie) Sayres of Bradenton, FL, Joseph Sayres of Warrenton, VA, and Thomas Goddard of St. Louis, MO; 19 grandchildren: Yvonne, Rebecca, Justin, Beverly, Kristen, Nick, Alyssa, Chase, Kelsey, Samantha, Casey, Jason, Ethan, David, Frances, Aiden, Joanna, Owen, and John; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Lonnie; and numerous relatives in Spokane, WA.

Family was at the core of JoAnn's existence, and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her loved ones. She cherished her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, finding fulfillment in nurturing and supporting her family. Whenever you met JoAnn, you couldn't help but notice her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as she proudly shared the details of her extended family. Christmas held a special place in JoAnn's heart, and she delighted in the holiday season. She would begin shopping and wrapping gifts months in advance, eagerly preparing for annual family gatherings. JoAnn also cherished her visits to Spokane, where she and Ed would travel west each year to spend quality time with her parents and extended family. JoAnn had a zest for life and a mischievous sense of humor. She enjoyed playing pranks on people and brought laughter and joy to those around her. She had diverse interests, including needlepoint, interior decorating, ceramics, beach outings, and shopping. JoAnn was an avid sports fan, passionately cheering for the Washington Redskins and Nationals. In her younger days, she was known for her impressive skills as a softball player, particularly her powerful hitting. Throughout her life, JoAnn balanced her roles as a devoted wife and mother with a successful career at The Hecht Company, where she worked full-time for over 30 years. The friendships she made there added to the richness of her life. She was an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, MD, nurturing her faith and finding solace in her spiritual community. JoAnn and Ed deeply cherished the invaluable friendship and support they received from their neighbors and friends. Their bond with those around them was a source of great joy and comfort throughout their lives. JoAnn's passing has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones, who already miss her funny humor and unique personality. Her family will forever cherish the memories they shared with her, holding onto the laughter and joy she brought into their lives.

The family will be gathering to receive friends at the Lee Funeral Home in Clinton, MD on May 23, 2023, from 3 -6 PM, with
prayers at 5PM. A funeral mass commemorating JoAnn's life will be conducted on May 24, 2023, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, MD at 11 AM. Following the service, her burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD.

To honor the memory of JoAnn, the family kindly asks that, instead of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund. Your contributions will support crucial research efforts in the ongoing fight against Alzheimer's disease.