Violet Ann (Carey) Godfrey, 81, passed away on December 7, 2015 at the Northwest Medical Center, located in St. Albans, Vermont.
She was born in Leverett, MA, February 18, 1934, the daughter of Vera (Wentworth) and Ralph Carey.
She attended school in Moores Corner and New Salem Academy. It was at New Salem Academy where she met her future husband of 65 years, Wallace E. Godfrey, Jr. They were married on March 18, 1950.
Violet leaves her brothers, Radcliffe and wife Gloria Carey, Smyrna, DE, Thomas and wife Becky Carey, New Salem, MA, Richard and wife Margaret Carey, Leverett, MA, and sister-in-laws, Hilda Carey Williams, Moores Corner, MA, Shirley Svetaka, New Salem, MA, Gloria Saben, Turners Falls, MA, Joyce Lawrence, St. Petersburg Beach, FL and Kathy Godfrey, New Salem, MA. Violet was predeceased by her parents and brother
Ralph (Sonny) Carey, mother and father-in-law Elsie and Wallace Godfrey, Sr. and brother-in-laws James Godfrey, Joseph Svetaka, and Harold Saben.
Violet leaves four children, Valerie and husband, Winton Goodrich, Berlin, VT, Peter and wife Ruth Godfrey, Montgomery Center, VT, Tami Godfrey, Stowe, VT, and Luke and wife Amy Godfrey, Montgomery Center, VT.
Everyone knew Violet to be a kind, generous, and hard working individual, who placed family at the center of her life. Violet loved children, especially her 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Hilary and husband Adam Black (Ellie and Leah), Brasstown, NC, Garrett and wife Gina Goodrich (Violet and Brady), Bakersfield, CA, Julie and husband Robert Sweet (Grace), Swanton, VT, Keith and wife Kara Godfrey, Montgomery, VT, Tyler and wife Lisa Godfrey (Emmalyn and Brantley), Northfield, MA, Rose and husband Josh Webber (Savannah and Ava), Orleans, VT, Craig Godfrey, Montgomery Ctr., VT, Colleen Godfrey McHugh, Stowe, VT, Meaghan Godfrey McHugh, Stowe, VT and Ashely Godfrey McHugh, Stowe, VT. She thoroughly enjoyed watching family members perform in dance recitals and athletic competitions. Violet shared her sewing talents with children throughout the community while serving as a 4-H leader.
In addition to serving many years as a successful homemaker, Violet worked 13 years in environmental services for the University of Massachusetts Health Center. She thoroughly enjoyed the work and developed numerous friendships.
Over the years, Violet and Wally maintained homes in both North Leverett, MA and Montgomery Center, VT. Before moving permanently to Montgomery Center in 1990, following joint work retirements, the couple commuted every weekend to Vermont. For a decade, both worked in the woods to help the family establish a large-scale maple sugaring operation.
Violet enjoyed quilting, rug braiding, sewing, knitting, crocheting, chair caning, working in her flowers, and traveling. Camping with her family at Hermit Island, ME and the Outer Banks of NC also brought her great pleasure. She was also a big fan of country music, traveling to many Fanfare events.
Religious faith was very important to Violet. For many years, she was an active member of both the North Leverett Baptist Church, North Leverett, MA, where she taught Sunday School, and the Montgomery Community Baptist Church, Montgomery Center, VT.
Over the years, Violet and Wally traveled to every state in the U.S. and all Canadian provinces. Their journeys included Hawaii, Alaska, and many Caribbean locations. More recently, Violet never ceased to enjoy an afternoon ride on the backroads of northern Vermont.
Violet valiantly fought the ever-increasing challenges of Alzheimers Disease for nearly a decade. Along with family members, Sue Hunt, Home Health worker, known fondly as Sunshine, provided the necessary care that helped Violet to continue to live at home.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service. The family will hold a private graveside service at an undetermined date in the future.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin County Home Health, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478, the Alzheimers Association of Vermont, 300 Cornerstone Dr, Williston, VT 05495 or the North Leverett Baptist Church, 70 North Leverett Rd., Leverett MA 01054.