Miriam K. Goudey

RANDOLPH—Miriam "Mimi" K. Goudey, 80, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 of pancreatic cancer at Gifford Medical Center.

She was born November 6, 1927 in Quincy, Mass., the daughter of John Richard and Fannie (Matson) Koski. She was raised in Quincy and graduated from Quincy High School in 1945. She attended Cambridge Junior College from 1946-48 and went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in History at Bowling Green State University in Ohio in 1951. While at Bowling Green she pursued a master's degree in history, which was never completed—a source of disappointment for her.

She married Pelton Goudey in 1948. They were divorced in 1977.

With her husband and children, she moved to Randolph in 1965, where she became the first female faculty member at Vermont Technical College in 1966. Over the next 18 years, she taught a variety of subjects in the Humanities. She retired from teaching in 1984 and sold real estate for Century 21-Mill Stone Agency for several years. She was most recently employed by the Porter Music Box Museum in Randolph.

She was active in town and state politics, serving as a delegate to the Democratic State Convention, as well as a term as a Justice of the Peace in Randolph. In her retirement she shared her passion for books and reading by volunteering at the Kimball Public Library, and participating in several book discussion groups. She was an active member of the First Church in Barre, Universalist, and volunteered as an usher at Chandler Music Hall.

Survived by her three children, Mark Goudey of Grand Isle, and his wife Marie-Claude Filteau; Eric Goudey of Wasilla, Alaska and his wife Karen; Karen Goudey of Ayer, Mass. and her husband Kurt Staven; a nephew, Theodore Smykal of Somerville, Mass.; a niece, Margaret Smykal of Northfield; four grandchildren: John, Morgan, Matthew and Sara Goudey; and three step-grandchildren: Christina Marshburn, and Sage and Nile Staven.

She was predeceased by her parents, and two brothers.

A celebration of her life will be held at the First Church in Barre, Universalist (19 Church Street, Barre) Friday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m., with the Rev. Richard Forcier officiating. All are welcome to attend. Her ashes will be spread by her children at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hope Lodge, 237 East Avenue, Burlington, Vt. 05401. Arrangements are being handled by her family.

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