Florence McGoldrick (née Jacobs), age 86, passed away on November 28, 2015. She was born on June 21, 1929. Florence is survived by two daughters, Teresa McKessey (Melbourne, Florida) and Patricia (Joseph) Codd; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandkids. They were all the loves of her life. She was very proud of her family.
Florence was a teacher in Arizona for over 30 years. She taught middle and high school students on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Kayenta, Arizona for 20 years until her retirement. While there, Florence taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and reading. Many students excelled under her patience and specialized teaching techniques. She also taught at Red Rocks School and Eloy schools for troubled youth. She started her teaching career in Scarsdale, New York. She was the first female graduate of St. Josephs (Jesuit) University in Philadelphia, Pa in 1952. She received numerous grants and traveled the world pursuing higher education. She obtained a Master’s degree in ESL and reading from Columbia University.
In addition to her global travels, she loved Hawaii. She studied at University of Hawaii and spent quite a few summers there. On one trip there she ran a marathon with her niece, Marita. It was one of her favorite accomplishments to brag on.
Florence was a fiercely independent, beautiful, stubborn, and strong woman. Her legacy is obvious in the lives of her daughters and grandchildren. While we can never come close to her level of stubbornness, we are independent and strong. :).
She is a life-long, devout, Roman Catholic. Special thanks to San Tan Assisted Living and wonderful caregivers, where mom lived and was loved her final six weeks of life. Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the family.
I didn’t get to know your Mom, but she sounds like a great woman.
Florence was a dear friend. When we met in California (80’s?) we just picked up where we had been, decades before.
Thanks for sharing this tribute to Florence with me.
Caring, Jeanne Marie
I only met her three or four times, and I loved each moment spent with her.
I am so sorry to hear (just now) about Aunt Flo’s passing. I will keep her and you all in my prayers.