Lydia Goens, 77
July 8, 1933 — March 4, 2011
Niles Daily Star, Published 11:44 pm Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lydia Jeffries Goens, 77, former longtime resident of South Fourth Street, Niles, died at 4:40 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2011 at Riveridge Manor, Niles following an extended illness.
She was born July 8, 1933 in Niles to Irving and Pearl (Jones) Jeffries, and lived in Niles most of her life.
She attended the University of Detroit (Mich.) and Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind. and graduated from the University of Chicago School of Inhalation Therapy. She began her career at the former Pawating Hospital in Niles, where she served 20 years as director of respiratory therapy. She continued her career as a social worker and financial counselor, eventually retiring from what is now known as Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles.
Lydia was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Niles and of the Psi Iota Xi sorority and the professional division of the Michigan Lung Association.
She was preceded in death by two daughters, Anne Mary Goens, who died in infancy in 1954, and Lydia Anne Goens, who died Dec. 21, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her sisters and brothers: Josephine Wharton, Charlene Wilson, Lewis Jeffries, Kensel Jeffries and Elwyn Jeffries.
Surviving family includes her son, David Lewis Goens of Niles; her grandson (Lydia Anne’s son), Levi Nicholas (Amber) Goens, whom Lydia adopted at his mother’s death; great-grandchildren, Olevia Goens and Levi Nicholia Goens, Aydin Kyles and Naiya Kyles; and many nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Lydia Goens will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. David Otto of the parish officiating.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.
Contributions in memory of Lydia may be made to the Niles District Library.