Victoria B. Goodell

Victoria Bernice Goodell Saginaw, Michigan
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away peacefully Sunday, June 29, 2025. Age 78 years. Daughter of the late Frank and Joyce (Putman) Leppek. Victoria (Vicki) was born February 20, 1947 in Bay City, Michigan. She married James J. Goodell, her loving husband of 55 years, on August 2, 1969. Surviving to cherish her memory are her husband, James; two daughters, Nora Goodell, Marquette, and Sara Goodell, Kalamazoo; four grandchildren, Jameson Bishop, Nolan Bishop, Lewis Teske, and Polly Teske; two sisters, Gayla (Jim) McMinn, Bay City, Kathy Silvernale, Bay City; a brother, Michael Leppek, Drummond Island; a brother-in-law, Gene Solek, Saginaw; many nieces and nephews, and a very special pet, Ellie. In addition to her beloved parents, Vicki was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Solek, and brother-in-law, Mark Silvernale.
For 42 years, Vicki was a much-loved and respected educator within the Saginaw Public School District. Her list of academic accomplishments and accolades is expansive, including being Nationally Board Certified for Professional Teaching Standards and receiving the Michigan Science Teacher of the Year Award. What mattered most to her were the relationships she built with the students she taught and mentored. She loved and cherished all of the children who crossed her path throughout her years of service. Vicki was always a true champion for her students and her spark and passion for teaching touched many lives. Vicki loved history and was passionate about genealogy. It was important to her that her children and grandchildren knew where they came from. Early family vacations were often spent on the road with her daughters and husband, traveling to many National Monuments, American Civil War battlefields, and to the remote parts of the country where her ancestors put down roots when they first came to the U.S. An especially exciting memory involved her being chased by a water moccasin during an expedition through the remote foothills of Arkansas in search of a family burial plot. Her early and middle years were full of adventure and she shared that love of adventure and wonder with all of the special people who crossed her path.
Vicki was a private gal, but if she loved you, you knew it. She always welcomed her children's friends with open arms, a healthy dose of intelligent wit, and just enough sarcasm to keep everyone intrigued. She was fiercely loyal, loving and outspoken about the topics that mattered to her. She was an engaged listener, researcher and advocate for civil and human rights.
Many happy moments were spent with family and friends at special places that were near and dear to her heart: Secord Lake, Tucson, Arizona, The Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Drummond Island, Michigan. Vicki organized the trips, planned the meals, included everyone, and made sure that fun times were had by all. Vicki also loved camping and playing golf. Creating memories and watching her grandkids have fun and develop an appreciation for the water and nature was one of her greatest joys. Above all, she curated and cherished a lifetime of peaceful and happy moments with her husband, James. They loved riding the backroads of Michigan, searching for trinkets and treasures at antique shops, fishing the waterways of Michigan, watching their grandkids participate in sports and extracurriculars, and just being together. Their love is special and stood the test of time.
Honoring Mrs. Goodell's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private funeral service will be held. Vicki was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw, MI. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to The Mustard Seed Shelter of Saginaw, MI or to Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Saginaw, MI. Please share memories and condolences with the family at snowfuneralhome.net