Alice F Goodsell

Alice (Forn) Goodsell of Medfield, MA, was a devoted mother and grandmother who inspired her family and others with her kindness, compassion, liveliness and continual desire to learn. She passed on in her home March 11 at age 93.
Alice lived most of her adult life in the Boston area, including the past three decades in Medfield. While she embraced her adopted New England, she also had fond memories of growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned a bachelor's degree in history at Principia College in Illinois, where she honed a lifelong passion for knowledge.
Shortly after graduation and marriage in 1953, Alice joined her husband in Japan, where he had been sent by the Army. Her parents wanted her to remain safely in Ohio, but she determined to pursue her own course in life. So, she traveled alone across the U.S. by train and the Pacific by freighter, set up the couple's household in Tokyo and worked at a military base.
Back in the U.S., Alice worked for the Christian Science Church in Boston and supported her husband as he attended graduate school. Later, she often filled the roles of both mother and father to their three children while he worked abroad. She encouraged early learning and fostered their love of reading. Her children never lacked for love and support.
During her late 40s, Alice returned to work at the church. When she divorced with her two daughters still at home, she continued to hold office jobs. She also worked as a nanny for local families, took in boarders and prepared Sunday dinners for a local nursing home. Her grit and work ethic were admired, and she never complained.
In retirement, Alice doted on her children and seven grandchildren but also continued to learn and grow, exercising both mind and body. She took German lessons, researched family history and read widely. She pored over each day's Boston Globe, clipping articles for family members and doing the crossword puzzle.
From childhood, Alice was curious about the world. She made a number of trips to Europe in her 60s and 70s, once visiting a small town in Germany connected to the family roots of her beloved parents.
She also became active with the Medfield Historical Society. Driving with her around town meant a history lesson on mill ponds and colonial-era battles. Alice gave tours at Medfield's Peak House and baked pies for the society's fundraisers. She even joined a group trip to England to visit Metfield, the town's namesake. In keeping with her love of history, she was a proud steward of her home, which contained beams from a 345-year-old building linked to Medfield native Lowell Mason, the famous hymn composer.
Alice attended a regular workout class into her 90s, and her flexibility and strength often awed people who were much younger. Until her family made her stop, she regularly toted buckets of water from the dehumidifier up the basement stairs so she could conserve water while tending her plants. She always was first to spring up from the dinner table if anything was needed. And she could be sneaky-fast and determined when it came to picking up the tab for dinner.
Ultimately, family was the center of Alice's life. She loved to talk with her grandchildren, whether they lived near or far. She went to their sports games, helped them attend summer camp, celebrated their milestones and shared her own life experiences. She was always thinking of how to help others, and found playful ways to do so.
Once on a frosty Christmas morning, Alice rose at 4 a.m. to drive to Connecticut, bearing gifts for a daughter and grandson. But she didn't tell them she was coming. Instead, the Christmas elf unlocked their front door with her spare key, quietly stacked the pile of presents in the front hall, and nearly made a clean getaway before being discovered.
While her family and friends are sad at Alice's passing, we take comfort in the many years we had with her. We are grateful for the challenge of following her caring example and active life. We hope to honor Alice by proving that her goodness and loveliness live on.
Alice's parents, Victor and Louise Forn, and her brother, Neil, have passed away. She is survived by her son, Paul Goodsell, and daughters, Amy Beck and Tori Goodsell. Her grandchildren are Rebecca, Christina, Gavin, Robert, Jessica, Jaden and Brendan.
Her family will hold a private celebration of Alice's life. Memorials may be sent to the Medfield Historical Society, 6 Pleasant St., Medfield, MA, 02052.