Myra Davies Gooding

Myra Elizabeth Davies Gooding

Craigville, Massachusetts

Obituary

Myra Gooding rang the Craigville Christian Camp Meeting Association's Tabernacle bell three times at precisely 9:00 am every morning during Covid, reminding community members that they were not alone. She wanted to "fill the silence with a joyful noise." Sadly, on June 11, 2025, Myra Davies Gooding died in the embrace of family and friends at Cape Cod Hospital. Neighbors rang the "Tab" bell in her honor the following day. If a life is to be measured by bringing joy to those around her, then Myra's days were utterly successful.

She was born to Ada and Harold Davies on New Year's Day in 1942 at Castle Farm Eardisley, in Herefordshire, England. Her father raised prized dairy cows, supplying the milk to Cadbury's for their famous chocolate, among other crops and animals. Raised with her three siblings Olive, Jill and Clive, they lived an idyllic childhood on the farm, despite the sacrifices of World War II. Early on, Myra was captured by the beauty of the natural world surrounding her, noticing the cowslips, her favorite, among the primroses, bluebells, kingcups and violets. This love of flowers and gardening would last a lifetime.

At age 17 she boldly moved to London to attend the Hampstead Secretarial School (She was proud of her 60 words per minute and 120 shorthand!). Eventually Myra was hired at the Everyman Cinema in Hampstead, the "best job I ever had." It was in London that she met her future husband, Peter Gooding, a marriage of 63 years.

As a young married couple, they immigrated to British Columbia, later moving to Barnstable, Massachusetts, where Peter had a coaching and teaching job. Their children, Milton and Zoe, were born and the young family eventually settled in Amherst, MA where they would spend their lives until Peter's retirement from Amherst College in 2005. (Peter was a professor and served as the athletic director at the college for 28 years.) Their beloved summer home in Craigville had become their full time residence by then.

In addition to raising her children and being active in the Amherst community, Myra worked at Amherst College in the Office of Career Counseling and later, in the Alumni Office. She was a creative and skilled administrator and generations of Amherst alumni were touched by her kindness and attentiveness. She was admired for her inventive events programming and her endless energy and optimism.

Myra was good at and loved many things, including gardening, sewing, the movies, making a good cup of tea or coffee, parties, reading (especially women authors), New York City, Barnstable Harbor, Wellfleet and Laguna Beach. She was always drawn to the sea. Her own memories were captured in captivating detail in a series of annual calendars she wrote beautifully. The chance to vote for Barack Obama encouraged her to finally become a US citizen. She made dear and lasting friendships throughout her life. Her "sisters" on the Cape and her annual Oscars adventures were legendary relationships that brought Myra endless joy. Being invited to sit in her Craigville garden near the shed "Hafod," was an invitation that was much desired. Myra was a kind and thoughtful person to whom many were naturally drawn.

One of the greatest roles she savored in her life was being a grandmother. The five Wilmot children: Kassidy, Lola, Davis, Crosby and Wyatt; and Griffin and Grady Gooding, were the fortunate beneficiaries of her attention and love.

Myra had her fair share of physical challenges in her later life and she met her last days with grace, courage and forbearance. She never complained about her discomforts and faced every day with an optimistic heart. She is now at rest with her heavenly family and friends, hugging Crosby once again in God's light. Peace.

There will be a celebration of Myra's life at a date to be announced later.

Donations to honor Myra's memory can be made to:

Craigville Tabernacle

CCMA

208 Lake Elizabeth Drive

Centerville, MA 02632

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