Valerie C. Goodchild, age 89, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Valerie C. Goodchild, age 89, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. She was born on November 7, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Stuart S. and Virginia (Nulton) Collins. She married George “Sonny” W. Goodchild on September 11, 1954.
Prior to moving to Illinois in 1997, Valerie worked as a dental hygienist in Delaware. She was a dedicated Hospice volunteer for more than 20 years and loved the time she spent at the Lawrence County Humane Society. Valerie was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville, where she loved to sing in the choir. In her younger years, Valerie and Sonny spent their free time aboard the Lady-Kim on the Bohemia River, where they hosted many get-togethers with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George W. Goodchild and both parents.
She is survived by son, Stuart Goodchild of Lawrenceville. Valerie was “Nana” to two grandchildren, Alicia (Nicholas) Hopkins of Enfield, Connecticut and Nicholas (Marissa) Goodchild of Lawrenceville; and one great-grandchild, Oliver Hopkins. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Chapman of Columbia, Connecticut and brother, Stuart S. Collins of Felton, Delaware; along with many nieces and nephews; as well as her dog, Grace.
Valerie is loved a bushel, a peck, and a hug around the neck.
A memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 AM CST on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Carle Hospice or the Lawrence County Humane Society.
