Lillian (Gashin) Goff

WORCESTER - Lillian (Gashin) Goff died peacefully at the Jewish HealthCare Center at the remarkable age of 102 years, 3 months, and 19 days.

Born in Boston on Woolson Street, Lillian was the daughter of Abraham and Anna (Cohen) Gashin. Lillian shared the home with brother Irving and sister Edith. Most of her childhood memories were from Tennis Road, Mattapan. She attended secretarial school and found herself in Washington DC at the start of WWII working for the government.

Lillian experienced two rewarding marriages. Her first to Sidney J Cohen was cut short in 1958 due to his premature death resulting from WWII service related medical conditions. At the time, Lillian was raising two sons, Barney age 9 and Frederick age 6. A few years later Lillian’s good friend Pauline introduced her to a nice man from Worcester. Her marriage to Joseph N. Goff lasted nearly 50 years until his death at the age of 96. Joe, a widower himself (Ruth Caine), brought two children, Karen and Richard to the marriage.

Lillian was mother to them all. Karen married Stephen Shulman and brought grandchildren Rachel and Joel. Richard married Laura Gladstone and brought granddaughters Alyssa and Carrie. Fred married Randy Zasloff bringing grandson Sam. Rachel married Eric Freeman bringing great grandsons Alex and Jack. Alyssa married Ed Stock bringing great grandson Mason. Carrie married and brought two great grandchildren.

Upon moving to Worcester with her marriage to Joe, Lillian took up golf to spend time with her husband. Years of walking the golf course helped build their physical stamina. Walking and holding hands is how many remember the couple. Lillian joined the Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel Worcester, now Temple Emanuel Sinai, and was an active member for many years. Lillian always made sure the Jewish holiday table was warm and welcoming for family.

Lillian and Joe moved to Eisenberg Assisted Living at Worcester Jewish HealthCare shortly after she experienced a heart attack in 2008. They took full advantage of the experiences and outings. The Eisenberg living environment added years to her life.

Lillian is preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister as well as children Karen and Barney. She is remembered by the family mentioned earlier as well as Stephen’s wife Carol, nephews Earl Gasin and wife Elaine, and David Silverman and wife Shari, Sandra Gashin Cutler and husband Mark, and their families.

Lillian has often been characterized as a “sweetheart.” She was generous and caring and was beloved by family and friends. Lillian’s life demonstrated inner strength and compassion as well as resilience. She knew what was important in life and put that first.

Family and friends will gather to honor Lillian’s remarkable life at her Funeral Service at
11:00 AM on Thursday, April 25th at the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury Street,
Worcester. Interment will follow at B’nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St. John’s Road,
Worcester. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. Memorial Observance will be announced.

Lillian’s family will be forever grateful for the dedicated staff and compassionate care that she received over her last years. In appreciation, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Eisenberg Assisted Living Residence or the Jewish Healthcare Center.

May she rest in peace; may her memory be a blessing.