Mary was born on June 14, 1932, to the late Wyatt and Queenie Lee. She departed this life on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3,2023 at Chandler’s Funeral Home. Homegoing services will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 10 AM at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery, 11 AM on February 8, 2023. Funeral arrangements by Chandler Funeral Home.
Mary spent her childhood years growing up in Sarasota, Florida. She was converted to Christianity under the leadership of Reverend Siplin of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in November of 1949. She remained a faithful member of the church until, she moved to New York.
After graduating from Booker High School, Mary moved to Queens, New York in 1951, where she enrolled in Nursing School at the Hospital for Joint Diseases. She graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1953. Mary worked as an LPN at various hospitals throughout New York City for 33 years. Her tenure included Hospital for Joint Diseases, Bird S Coler Hospital, Montifiore Hospital and Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital.
Mary met Leslie Goffigon while attending Nursing School. They were married on February 20, 1954. Born to this union was their daughter, Saundra and son Leslie, III. Mary had many interests among them was fashion design. She attended the Mayer School of Fashion Design graduating in 1980. She also enjoyed cooking, cultivating plants and traveling. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, sisters, Claretha Major, Vinnie P. Williams and brother, JB Lee (Mary Louise Lee), all were from Sarasota, Florida.
I remember staying with my Aunt Mary after graduating Booker High and starting at Harlem Nursing School. That was many years ago. She’s been opening her door and her heart to me ever since. I am grateful that Elnora and the boys had the privilege of spending time with her at my home. They cherished her vibrant personality. We will miss her. May God bless her loved ones with comfort and joy unspeakable.
To Saundra, Phil, Aaron and Family
As you celebrate the memory of Ms Mary Goffigon and mourn her departure from this place, may you be comforted in the joy and peace of knowing when she did finally slip away, she knew she was loved and not alone. May the healing gifts of time and the timeless love of God carry you through this time of sorrow.
With Heartfelt Sympathy and Love,
Sandra, David and Adam Francis
Rest in peace