Arlene M. Godward 1931-2019

POLAND — Arlene M. Godward, 88, of Poland, formerly of Pelkie, Mich., passed away Monday evening, Sept. 9, 2019, at Shepherd of the Valley in Poland, surrounded by family.

Arlene was born Feb. 23, 1931, in Hancock, Mich., a daughter of John and Hilda Martinmaki Saaranen.

Raised in Michigan, she was a graduate of L’Anse High School. On June 8, 1950, she married Floyd J. Godward in Hancock and they lived in the Upper Peninsula until 1963, when they moved back to Floyd’s hometown of Youngstown.

Arlene was a dedicated homemaker. After raising her children, she worked for the Poland schools in the cafeteria.

She was a former member of the Gospel Hall in Youngstown and Pelkie. Arlene enjoyed flower gardening, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family.

Arlene is survived by her seven children, Margaret (John) Biroschak of Poland, Kathleen Hill of Alston, Mich., Paul Godward of Pelkie, Mich., Rebecca (Gary) Pelliccioni of Ellsworth, Melissa Godward of Tucson, Ariz., Anita (Rick) Dearing of New Middletown, and Timothy Godward of Youngstown; her sister, Eva Kempainen of Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Floyd, preceded her in death Jan. 9, 2011.

In addition to her parents and husband, Arlene was preceded in death by her sister, Alice Kempainen; son-in-law, Dr. Karl Hill; and daughter-in-law, Janet Godward.

A private funeral service was held for the family at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman. Interment will be in Alston Cemetery, Pelkie, Mich.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and thank Shepherd of the Valley in Poland for the wonderful care given to Arlene over the past six years.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Mrs. Godward’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, Ohio 44512.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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