Loraine Goodchild

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Loraine Goodchild was a blessing to everyone she met. She was known for her fantastic casseroles and amazing green thumb that led to a beautiful display of houseplants. Loraine shared much of her journey with the love of her life, and together they experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. She was never one to let things get her down, and she faced whatever challenges came her way with grace and strength. A dear woman to many, Loraine will be forever missed.

The 1920s were a colorful time in our nation’s history when innovation was taking us places we had never been. Washing machines and radios became part of our homes while cars that were mass produced on assembly lines helped us see new places firsthand. Jazz music was hot, Broadway was at its all time peak, and the silent film era came to an end. Amidst this vibrant time, a young couple from Wayland, Michigan, was eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the calendar turned to welcome 1925. The big day finally arrived on January 16th when Loraine drew her first breath. She was the fourth of eight children born to Floyd and Mable (Atkinson) Standish as she was raised alongside her older siblings, Margaret, John, and Art, and her younger siblings, Clark, Mary, Bob, and Dick. Raised in nearby Plainwell, Loraine was a young girl of her generation. She attended local schools through the eighth grade as she left school to take care of her ailing mother.

Life was forever changed for Loraine when she met the young man of her dreams as a young girl of 12. His name was Paul Goodchild, and they met because his sister lived next door so their paths crossed when he was over visiting. At times Paul also ran around with some of her brothers when he was over, too. They started dating when Loraine was 14, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, she and Paul were married on July 18, 1941, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span more than 60 years.

The newlyweds were eager to settle into their new roles and to take on all that life had in store. In 1942, Paul went into the service during the days of WWII. Loraine and Paul lived in downtown Kalamazoo before moving to Yorkville and then finally settling in Comstock. Together they were blessed with the birth of their son, Paul, who was known as Bill to many. Loraine loved being a homemaker and caring for her husband and son, and she also worked at Kalamazoo Paper Company and Bell's Greenhouse. She was a good cook who was especially known for her casseroles as well as her vegetable soup made with fresh vegetables from her garden. Loraine and her family enjoyed trips to visit relatives in Michigan as well as trips to Florida. Over the years she did a lot with extended family as well.

In addition to caring for her family, Loraine kept busy in other ways. She was an animal lover who had many pets over the years including many canine friends her most recent was rescued dog Mindi whom she loved for the last 12 years, as well as her special furry companion, Skippy, and there was also Topper and then Topper II. Loraine wasn’t partial only to dogs as they also had cats, two ducks named Salt and Pepper while in Yorkville, and later in life, birds, too. She absolutely loved gardening and had the most beautiful houseplants everywhere. For years, Loraine and Paul bowled on a league, and they also loved fishing together. She was always a fan of Phantom of the Opera, and on one occasion she went to Toronto on the train to see it with her son.

A woman who was truly beautiful inside and out, Loraine Goodchild lived a rich and rewarding life filled with the people and things she loved. She was gracious and humble, kindhearted and selfless with unending love for her family. Loraine was never one to worry about what she had, rather, her focus was on how she could help those around her in ways both great and small. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Loraine Goodchild, of Comstock, died on December 17, 2015, at home. Loraine’s family includes her son, Paul “Bill” (Gail) Goodchild; brother, Dick (Donna); grandchildren: Dan (Missy) Goodchild, Joe (Wendy) Goodchild, Matt (Mikki) Goodchild, Michelle (Jason) Romig; 15 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren with one on the way as well as several nieces and nephews. Loraine was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Paul; siblings: Margaret, John, Art, Clark, Mary, and Bob; and a great-grandson, Dustin. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). Please visit Loraine’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Heartland Hospice.