Obituary of Mary Gooch

Mary Gladys Johnson Gooch, 90, died Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Wake Med in Cary.

Born June 9, 1925 in Holly Springs, NC, she was the daughter of the late David Exum Johnson and Hatie Baker Johnson.

Having been chosen Miss Holly Springs at the age of 16, she continued her education by graduating from Holly Springs High School in 1942 and then attending and graduating from Hardbarger Business School.

On May 25, 1946, she married Garland Page Gooch of Wilton, NC, who preceded her in death in November of 2011.

She met and worked with many outstanding people in her professional career such as Hargrove "Skipper" Bowles while employed in the Department of Conservation and Development. She worked under the administration of Governors Hodges, Moore, Sanford, and Scott and also worked several session of the North Carolina General Assembly. Gladys retired in 1986 and remained lifelong friends with many of those with whom she worked. She especially enjoyed her association with the Tar Heel Capital Chapter of American Business Women's Association where she chaired and served on several committees.

As a member of Macedonia United Methodist Church, Gladys served in various positions and was the first Chairperson of the Inner Life Circle.

Gladys and Garland were most fortunate to be able to travel extensively after retirement and made many friends. Because of her love of travel and meeting people, Gladys was passionate about sending handwritten notes whether for a birthday, anniversary, congratulations, thank you, or thinking of you, which became one of her trademarks. Her love of flowers was evident in her colorful choices of clothes, artwork and receiving fresh bouquets from friends and relatives as they visited her.

Gladys is survived by her son, Gary, and his wife Ann of Raleigh; three grandchildren, Allie Mason Lindahl and her husband Carl, Michal Mason, Stephen Mason; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Lindahl and Avery Lindahl; sister, Eunice Johnson Seagroves of Holly Springs; and many nieces, nephews in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Gladys was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Carolyn Page in 1947, and by her son, Garland Page, Jr. in 2007. She was also preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.

The family is very grateful for the love and care provided to Gladys over the years by Spring Arbor of Apex, Rex Rehab of Apex, Brighton Gardens of Raleigh, Doctors Making Housecalls, and most recently Sunrise of Cary. The family is also grateful to the family and friends that have brightened and encouraged Gladys' daily life with their prayers, visits, phone calls, and cards.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. Thursday, prior to the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Macedonia United Methodist Church, 2700 Jones Franklin Road, Cary, NC 27518.

Online condolences can be made at www.montlawn.com