Wilma Goarcke

Wilma (Skinner) Goarcke, February 17, 1924 - November 16, 2024. Just a few months short of her 101st(!) birthday, Wilma passed away relaxing in her recliner while watching her favorite TV channel (GameShow Network). She was predeceased by her parents, Archibald and Sarah Skinner, her husband of 57 years, J.Howard Goarcke, and her wonderful partner in later years, Lew Wonsidler (also now deceased). Wilma is survived by her daughter Deborah Ann and husband Dan Walsh; her grandchildren Jennifer (husband Christian) and Thomas (wife Taylor); and four great-grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, Jordan and Millie Jo.

Born in Vienna, NJ, Wilma spent most of her life as a resident and 2nd-grade school teacher for 40+ years in Hackettstown, NJ. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star - Stewart Chapter #166 for nearly 80 years(!), loved bowling, crocheting, going on long walks, and beating friends & family at just about any board or card game! She was a devoted family member, and never missed an opportunity to reach out with a quick call or Facetime on her iPhone. Wilma's generous nature, open heart, and ageless spirit will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her!

She and her husband were avid outdoorsmen; they enjoyed camping with local friends and family, and traveling across the US in their RV. A special thrill for her was traveling to Norway, Italy, and the UK while her daughter and son in-law were working abroad. Before COVID, Wilma was a Jersey "snowbird" in her retirement years, escaping the Jersey winters for the warmth and sunshine in Fort Myers, FL, eventually purchasing a home in Jamaica Bay Resort in Fort Myers. After being rescued from isolation by her daughter and son in-law during the COVID outbreak, Wilma spent her final 4 years in and near Galveston, Texas.

Wilma will be returned to her hometown of Hackettstown, NJ, where she will be laid to rest in the family plot at Union Cemetery at a date to-be-determined.