Marta Goodale

Marta Eugenia (Lamanna) Goodale, 82, of Orono, Maine, died peacefully on December 17, 2022 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Marta was born July 23, 1940 in Lackawanna, New York. She was raised in Albion, New York by her beloved parents, Anthony and Augustina (Spalla) Lamanna. Marta is predeceased by her dear husband of nearly 50 years, Eric Goodale. Marta is survived by her son Jeffrey Goodale and wife Audrey, of Barker New York, her daughter Ruth Lyman and husband Matthew, of Danvers, Massachusetts, grandchildren Elizabeth, Emily, Erin, Elgie (deceased), Desiree, Abby and Claire, four sisters-in-law, Martha Goodale, Teresa Goodale, Linda Roemer and Deborah Cole, nieces and nephews Jack, Matthew, Elizabeth and their spouses Sarah and Kaylee, as well as several great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews.

Marta was a force of good in the world. Her career as a social worker held incredible value to her and she gave every position she held all of her heart and soul. Marta’s entire working life was devoted to helping the disadvantaged, as evidenced from her work with Head Start as a parent coordinator then mental health case worker, to hospital social worker where she established the first county-wide medical alert system, case manager in a sheltered workshop, to youth probation officer in Oswego County, and wrapping up her long career at the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Marta devoted her life to helping others live a life of dignity and pride.

Outside of work, Marta doted on her family. Her children and grandchildren were an immense source of pride. Nothing gave Marta more pleasure than spending time with her children and extended family. Her dear husband Eric loved her unconditionally and was Marta’s loving caretaker for many years leading up to his death. Marta and Eric shared so many things in common, but probably most notably, a love of music. Marta was a performer at heart and loved every musical genre, from opera to classical to country and everything in between. Marta enjoyed singing in many different groups over the years. In her later years when words often failed her, Marta would often sing or conduct along to favorite melodies.

To say Marta was generous is an understatement. She donated to many, many charitable organizations, some of her favorites being NOW, Planned Parenthood, Amnesty International, the World Wildlife Federation, the Humane Society and countless others. Marta’s heart was always focused on helping those less fortunate and she had a deep love and admiration for animals, both domestic and wild. Marta will be remembered for (among so many other things) her quick wit, often silly sense of humor, and her empathy.

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on…”-Irving Berlin