MARGUERITE E. GOSS

Sept. 23, 1910 - Oct. 25, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Marguerite E. Goss, a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN, passed away at 6:06 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2013, in her apartment at the Sanctuary at St. Paul's at the age of 103 surrounded by loving friends. On September 23, 1910, she was born to the late William Edward and Amelia (Stuber) Goss in the family home on East Broadway Street in South Bend where she lived the next sixty-seven years.

Her brother, Fred Stuber Goss, preceded her in death on August 13, 2003, and her baby brother, Karl William Goss, died in 1919 after living only 5 days. Her longtime companion and very dear friend, Corinne Bruce, died in 2011. Her dear "adopted son," Johnny (John Thurin), passed away in January 2013.

She attended Lincoln Primary School and graduated from South Bend Central High School. In 1929 she earned her certification as a "certified librarian."

She started working at the St. Joseph Public Library in 1928 as an apprentice, and spent forty-seven and one-half years at the Virginia M. Tutt Branch on Miami Street, serving the last 20 years as Acting Head Librarian. She retired in 1976. For many years she was known by hundreds of children as "the story lady" at the library, at schools, on the radio, and eventually on TV. For over twenty-five years Marguerite wrote radio spots for the library that appeared on each of the three radio stations at the time, two spots for each station weekly. Once a month she appeared on television as a guest on the Gloria B. Show in Elkhart, the McKenzie Show on WNDU and the Joe Kelley show on WSBT.

She was a lifetime member of Ridgedale Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School for more than sixty years and served as an Elder and Deacon. There she started a Junior Guild for young women during World War II. In 1963 she organized the church library and remained active in its upkeep until the closing of the church. She was also active in the Presbyterian Women's organization where she held offices through the years. She was a member of the Beta Chapter of the Kappa Phil Sigma Philanthropic Sorority since its beginning in 1929, and was the last remaining member. She was also a member of the Northern Indiana Historical Society. Currently, Marguerite was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend. After moving to St. Paul's she starting writing Haiku, a Japanese form of poetry. In that time, Marguerite published eight books of poems.

She helped rearrange the library at St. Paul's and continued to serve on the library board and chapel board until the time of her passing. Marguerite leaves behind several cousins and a host of friends. Many of her dear friends have passed away but she never lacked for friends as she was so easy to love. She touched the lives of everyone she met. During her time at St. Paul's she became a very special lady to the staff and we wish to thank them for the loving care she received. Hospice of St. Joe County entered her life in July of this year; what a blessing they were to her.

Over the years Marguerite became a part of many families, most of them church related, where she was a welcomed guest at many dinners. After moving to St. Paul's in 2000, she and Corinne became adopted members of the John and Dixie Thurin family. They spent over ten years attending many functions at the Thurin home on West Washington Street to include most holiday dinners. When they were not able to come anymore, John and Dixie had two dinners every holiday, the second one in St. Paul's dining room for the evening meal. She loved being a part of her "adopted family," all 28 of them. The family felt blessed to have both beautiful ladies with them. Marguerite's 100th birthday celebration was held at the Thurin home on September 19th, 2010. Over 100 guests came to help her celebrate. She was so pleased that so many special people came to wish her well. The next day she was honored by the library with a party at the Virginia M. Tutt branch on Miami Street.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2013, at the Sanctuary at St. Paul, 3602 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit from 12:00-1:00 before the services. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial park, Granger, IN. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, IN, is assisting with arrangements. Contributions in memory of Marguerite E. Goss may be offered to Hospice of St. Joseph County, The Sanctuary at St. Paul's or to the First Presbyterian Church, 333 W. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31, 201

04/16/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/marguerite-goss-obituary?id=7996598