Marilyn Woodworth Gould's Obituary
Marilyn W. Gould was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 25, 1935 and passed away on July 28, 2023 in Lakeland, FL. At the age of 9, she moved to Miami with her family to be in warmer weather for her health. She lived in Hialeah, FL for many years, moving to Pembroke Pines, FL from 1987 to 2020 when she moved to Lakeland, FL. She graduated from Miami Edison High School in 1953. She worked for the US Postal Service, then a stay-at-home mom for several years before starting a career in Sales. She worked for several paper companies, including Florida Paper, Graham Jones, Mead and Xpedex selling industrial paper products throughout South Florida.
She was predeceased by her husband, George, of 67 years and is survived by her daughters Karen Dixon (Phil), Sandy O’Connor (Mark) and Lori DeNezzo (Donny), grandchildren Sean O’Connor (Jessica), Kerry O’Connor (Casey), Casey O’Connor, Daniel Dixon and his fiancé Jennifer, Nick DeNezzo, Laura Allen (Andrew) and Katelyn Vigo (Denny), great- grandchildren, Cason, Kellen, Jack, Zeke, Vinny, Capri, Vaughn, Cohen and Cali, two nieces and two nephews and their families. Also, some very special close friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Harold and Ada Woodworth, a sister Elaine, and a nephew.
Affectionately known as Mums by her family, she was a voracious reader since childhood, a ferocious Scrabble player, and could quickly recite the alphabet backwards, even in her last days. She played softball in high school, college and even a local city league when her girls were young. She was a Girl Scout troop leader for several years. She loved traveling, the beach, many cruises and gambling, camping, bowling, fishing and dancing with George. She traveled to the Florida Keys and Key West as part of her sales job. She was a great golfer and played with a women’s golf group at Pembroke Lakes Golf Club and met some lifelong friends. She and George had two cats that she doted over. The last few years, she and George lived at Lake Gibson Village in Lakeland where they met new friends and were well loved by the staff.
Family was always first and foremost and the time spent together was precious to her. She loved traveling to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended many family weddings and events. One of her goals was to attend all of her grandchildren’s graduations, which she accomplished. She also planned several family reunions and loved hosting parties and holiday dinners, always including extended family and friends. Most of all, she was so proud of her daughters and beautiful family.
A casual memorial service will be held on Friday, August 25th at 11am with interment at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a public school of your choice.
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