Sheila H. (Hurst) Goodnow

PRINCETON – Sheila H. (Hurst) Goodnow, 93, passed away gracefully at home in the peace and comfort of her loving family by her side on Monday, September 9, 2019. Born in Natick and raised in Sherborn, Sheila was the daughter of English immigrants, Samson M. and Grace (Humphreys) Hurst and lived much of her life in Princeton. Her beloved husband of 60 years, Judson “Jay” M. Goodnow, Jr. predeceased her in 2011.

Sheila attended Savin Academy, Kathryn Gibbs School and Sargent College all in the Boston area. She worked as an Au Pair for a lovely family she was fondly reminiscent of and then briefly as an Administrative Assistant. She married the love of her life, Jay Goodnow, on June 23, 1951 at The First Parish Church in Sherborn. Shortly thereafter they moved to Princeton where they raised their six children. Faith, love, family and friends were Sheila’s focus throughout her years. She enjoyed being a stay at home Mom, raising her children and later caring for her grandchildren, and the children of close friends, all with a kind, loving and gentle touch.

Sheila was a member of The First Congregational Church of Princeton, Christmas Club, Wachusett Garden Club, The Red Hat Society and was a Docent at The Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, MA. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, skiing, playing tennis and was an integral part of the fabric in the Princeton Community, welcoming newcomers and nurturing beloved friendships. She was a member of the Pine Hill Club where she played tennis and served as their first lifeguard. Sheila and Jay enjoyed traveling near and far.

She will lovingly be remembered and missed by her six children and their families, Jud Goodnow, III and his wife Nikki of Worcester, Peter Goodnow of Jefferson and his companion Abbie Moran, Tim Goodnow and his wife Leslie of Roswell, GA, Heidi Shaughnessy and her companion Pete Maxfield of Tahoe, CA ,Ted Goodnow and his wife Kim of Princeton, and Melissa Goodnow of Princeton; six grandchildren, Heather Goodnow, Brooke Goodnow and her husband Paul Blumer, Samson Goodnow, Emma Goodnow, Adria Polletta and her husband Mike, Adam Polletta and his wife Colleen, Natalie and Libby Jennette; two great grandchildren and many Goodnow and Piper family members. Besides her husband and parents, Sheila is predeceased by her sister Peg Piper.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Sheila’s family from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, September 13, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A service honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 14, at the First Congregational Church of Princeton, 14 Mountain Rd., Princeton. A reception following the service will be at her home in Princeton. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Princeton will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sheila’s name to Friends of the Princeton Library, 2 Town Hall Rd., Princeton, MA 01541, or the First Congregational Church of Princeton, 14 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA 01541.

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