TimesLeader.com

Eleanor Marie Schmeig Goodwin

Eleanor Marie Schmeig Goodwin

Eleanor Marie Schmeig Goodwin, Clarks Green, died at Mercy Skilled Nursing in Scranton Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 13.

Her husband is the Rev. George F. Goodwin.

Born in Scranton, she was a daughter of the late George and Lydia Schwalbach Schmeig. Prior to retirement, Eleanor was employed at the Elm Park United Methodist Church as the financial secretary, as well as the director of religious education for the church school and youth program and an adviser for the young adult fellowship.

She graduated Scranton Technical School and attended Keystone Junior College. Eleanor was baptized and confirmed as a member of Hickory St. Presbyterian Church, Scranton, becoming a member of Elm Park United Methodist Church during her employment at Elm Park.

Eleanor and George where married in the sanctuary of Elm Park United Methodist Church on Nov. 14, 1959. She continued to do the work she loved in each of the churches that George served. When George became Scranton District superintendent, she did the secretarial work.

During these years, she enjoyed raising the couple’s two sons, as well as caring for her mother. She was a talented seamstress, having learned this art from her mother at an early age. She designed and made many of her own dresses, including her wedding dress. She also enjoyed painting with oils and pastels, as well as fashioning crib-size quilts for new family members.

Eleanor’s faith carried her through life as she endured many personal illnesses. The passing of her first-born son at almost 23 years of age was a tragic experience for her and her husband, and it was only their faith in God that gave them the strength to go on.

Surviving are a son, Jonathan James Goodwin and his wife, Andrea J. Goodwin, PhD., Columbia, MD.; grandchildren, Christopher George and Zachary Thomas Goodwin; niece, Christina Wagner Saylor and her husband Frederick; nephew, George Wagner; former daughter-in-law, Carol Slaff and her husband Craig and their children, Deena Jean, Shannon Rae and Richard Nathaniel Slaff; and a rotary exchange son, Kari V. A. Kankaala, Tampere, Finland.

She was preceded in death by a son, George Foster Goodwin, Jr.; a sister, Lydia Schmeig Wagner; and a brother-in-law, Arthur G. Wagner.

A funeral was to be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from the Clarks Green United Methodist Church, 119 Glenburn Road, Clarks Green, with services by Linda Sweezy, pastor and Lori Steffensen, former pastor. Interment will be in Dunmore Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Clarks Green United Methodist Church.

To send an online condolence, visit www.lawrenceeyoungfuneralhome.com.