Martha “Lee” Godare, of Vincennes went to be with our Lord on Saturday, September 30, 2017. Lee was born on October 26, 1926, in Vincennes, to the late William L. and Evelyn (McCoy) Godare.
She was a graduate of Lincoln High School and Indiana University, where she obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing and Administration. She retired from Vincennes University as Dean of the Division of Health Occupations. She served as Department Chairman of the associate degree nursing program prior to the Deanship of the Division. Lee initiated programs in Physical Therapy Assistant, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Records, Medical Laboratory, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, and Funeral Service. She contributed to the planning of the original Health Occupations Building built in 1971 and the $1.5 million expansion. During the 1970’s, by appointment of the Governor of Indiana, she completed two terms on the State Board of Nursing. She served as Chairperson of the Board for one of the terms. In June 1991, she completed a four-year term as a Joint Commissioner for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. She also served as evaluator of Nursing Programs for the National League for Nursing and served Chairperson of the Board of Review. She served as consultant to the Nursing Programs at Ball State University, Purdue University, Indiana University/Northwest and several community colleges. She received the Blue and Gold Award for her Citizenship, Leadership, and Service.
Lee was a member of the Upper Indiana Presbyterian Church. She held memberships in Delta Kappa Gamma, Delta Kappa Tau, and Sigma Theta Tau. She was a member of the Vincennes Garden Club, was active in community activities and served as a volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Lee possessed a zealous age defying soul and was an energetic ball of fire. She was an outstanding cook who loved to entertain family and friends. She was a devoted IU fan, passionate for Hoosier basketball. She was an avid reader, always involved in a book or her Kindle. She took delight in her travel adventures and luncheons with dear friends. Lee took much joy and pride in all her past students and their accomplishments.
Lee was proceeded in death by her sisters, Marilyn Jane Godare, Shirley Godare Custard and brother-in-law Bob Custard; her brother Richard “Dick” Godare and sister-in-law JoAnn (Buckles) Godare; and a great nephew Kevin Cox.
She is survived by her seven nieces and nephews; Cathy Custard (and Rick) Hutson of Downers Grove, IL; Cindy Godare Cox (Joe Young), Jody Godare (and Tim) Ince, Lisa Godare (and Jack) Hansen. Rick (and Chris) Godare of Sulphur, LA; Rebecca Godare (and Todd) Stein of Lake Charles, LA; Brad (and Shannon) Custard of Oklahoma City; as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Dear friends left to honor and cherish memories of Lee are the Koenig family to whom she was “Mimi” to Gabrielle, Madeline, and Kate; the Slayton family; and the Pinkstaff family.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to her friends and neighbors for the companionship and loving care throughout Lee’s wonderful life.
A memorial service, officiated by Rev. Mike Chappell, will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Goodwin Family Funeral Home in Vincennes. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be at Upper Indiana Church Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Indiana Presbyterian Church of Vincennes.
