Mary Godley

A love of music and nature characterized the life of Mary McCreath Godley, 102, who passed away surrounded by her family on December 29, 2023. She joins her husband of 73 years, Frederick Godley Jr., her daughter Margaretta, and sisters Susanna McCreath Carter and Margaretta McCreath.

She was born July 2, 1921, in Harrisburg, PA to Robert McCreath and Margaretta Fleming. She attended Westover High School on a full scholarship, finishing at the age of 16. Mary studied music and horticulture at Vassar College, graduating summa cum laude, while her husband served in the Navy in World War II. She loved tickling the ivories and singing with the Merry Wives, her acapella group. Wherever she lived, she tended glorious gardens indoors and out. She earned many a blue ribbon for flower arrangements at her beloved summer retreat, Eagles Mere, PA. In New Canaan, CT, she established a therapeutic gardening programming at Waveny Lifecare for which she was awarded a Presidential recognition. In retirement in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, she supported the Jacksonville philharmonic and the K9s for Warriors project.

Mary lived a life of elegant style, yet she sought adventure and had an impish sense of humor. She never missed a Wacky Wednesday lunch or an episode of Jeopardy. She hosted her family on a Caribbean cruise the month before her death and enjoyed a daily hot dog while on it.

Mary is survived by her children, Robert "Mac" Godley (Rosamund), Elizabeth "Betsy” Spence (John), Frederick "Rick" Godley (Kathleen), grandchildren Katie Cairoli (Claudio), Peter Sargent (VIrginia), Frederick "Gus" Godley, Margot "Maggie" Valle (Bill) and Will Godley, as well as great grandchildren Francesca and Alessandro Cairoli, Finley and Jackson Sargent. She will also be dearly missed by her nephew, Robert McCreath Carter.

A group of dedicated, loving caregivers brought joy to Mary's final years. The family is eternally grateful to Heather Bayfield, Debbie Price, Almedin Mehinovic, Mary Lee Lewis, Frank Morgan, and many others.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Eagles Mere Conservancy.