Betty Jo Goddard's Obituary
Betty Jo Goddard, a long-time resident of Lakeside, California, died in San Diego on Wednesday January 22, 2025. She was 95 years old. Betty will be remembered for her love and dedication to her family.
Betty was the daughter of Joseph Guidotti and Hazel Bevins and was born at home on the family’s farm in Heber, California. She is predeceased by her siblings, Dorothy Ellen, Evelyn Colleen and Marvin Edmund. Betty married John David Goddard, (Jay) on September 10, 1949, and they had two children John David, Jr. and Joan Marie.
Betty graduated from the University of California, Berkeley on July 28, 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and enjoyed a teaching career until she turned her full-time attention to her children. After the death of her husband on July 14, 1984, Betty updated her teaching credentials and returned to teaching for many years, and she particularly enjoyed special education classes.
Betty was an avid gardener. She spent a lifetime creating a beautiful yard including a fruit tree orchard and a rose garden, which she maintained well into her nineties, and she continued to work in her yard until just recently. In addition to gardening, Betty was always active. In earlier days, she enjoyed biking, golfing, bowling league with Jay, her sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Gib, and horseback riding with her sister Evelyn. In later years, she continued to be active and was a regular participant in her local senior citizen exercise classes. Betty loved cooking, including baking a variety of cookies and pies for her extended family and this past Thanksgiving, Betty treated the family to her homemade apple and pumpkin pies.
Betty is survived by her two children and spouses, John and Elizabeth Goddard of Alpine, California; Joan Goddard and Larry Iaquinto of Yardley, Pennsylvania; grandson, Matthew Goddard and fiancé Brigjette Zacharyasz of Alpine, California; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her closed casket visitation on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until her Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary, Sally Lynn Chapel, 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, California, 92113. Her internment beside her loving husband and a celebration of life reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to a non-profit organization that supports Osteoporosis research, patient programs and education. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation Donate - https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/support-bhof/donate/
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