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MATILDA GODDARD – CHAMPION OF WORK AND WOMEN
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Matilda Goddard
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Matilda Goddard, an entrepreneurial spirit and a leader in human service,
was born in Boston in 1814. When her father found out young Matilda was
giving away family staples such as firewood to her needy childhood friends, he
advised her to learn a trade to support her endeavors. This she did, establishing
her own vest-making business and giving away all that she earned to charity.
Goddard served on the Board of the Home for Aged Women for 51 years, serving
as the first female vice-president and overseeing the day-to-day operations of
the house that would one day bear her name.
A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE:
RANDY BARNES RETIRES
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Randy Barnes and Co-Worker
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In October, Goddard House hosted a celebration to honor Randy Barnes,
who retired as an employee of the Skilled Nursing Center. Ever since he returned
from the Navy after the Korean War, Barnes worked as a member of the maintenance
team at Goddard House for nearly 50 years. His tenure is second only to
that of Matilda Goddard.
Randy was joined at the event by his wife Gilda, daughter Debbie, staff and
past Goddard House Board President, Betsy Van Dorn – a long-time fan of
Randy’s. Gilda recounted how she was dazzled upon
meeting Randy, a handsome young man in uniform
when he visited her neighborhood, the North End of
Boston. The couple was married after the war and
around the same time, Randy developed a tumor that
cost him his ability to speak. Their own children are
grown, but Gilda and Randy have recently adopted
three of their grandchildren, an extraordinary
commitment of love and dedication to their family.
We’ll miss you, Randy. Goddard House wishes the
very best to the entire Barnes family - who are anything
but retiring!
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