Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mary Gould Obituary
Tampa, FL - Lieutenant Colonel Mary E. Gould, United State Air Force (Retired), age 50, passed away on January 2nd 2018 at Florida Hospital in Tampa, Florida after an extended battle with cancer.
Born in Sussex, NJ on April 2nd, 1967, Mary was raised in Newfield, NJ by her parents Harry and Connie Gould. She was a graduate of the 1986 class of Buena Regional High School, and went on to graduate Wilkes University in 1991 with degrees in Computer Science and Communications. Mary was subsequently commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Cyber Operations Officer, and was initially assigned to the US Strategic Command Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.
For over two decades, she continued to serve and advance in our nation's military, including assignments as Presidential Support Officer at the White House for Presidents Clinton and Bush, Deputy Commander of the 18th Communications Squadron at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, Joint Information Environment Officer for US Forces Korea-J6, Chief of Warfighting Plans and C2 Operations for the Air Staff, Deputy Commander for the 7th Mission Support Group at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, and political/military advisor for Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs for US Central Command in Tampa, Florida.
Originally diagnosed with cancer in 2013, Mary refused to allow this to impede her work and life despite a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and surgery. On regaining her health, she volunteered for a year-long deployment to Afghanistan, where she served as political/cultural advisor for the Joint Chiefs "Afghanistan-Pakistan Hands" program, battling entrenched corruption and supporting political strength within the Afghan government.
Lt. Colonel Gould retired in 2015 after 23 years of honorable service to the United States and its citizens. Her military awards and commendations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. While serving, she also continued her education, earning four Masters degrees, including an MBA from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an MA from the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University.
Mary is survived locally by her parents Harry and Connie Gould of Newfield, and her brothers Matthew, Mark, and Kevin Gould of Vineland and Millville. A memorial service will be held at the Saint Rose of Lima church in Newfield, NJ on February 3rd, 2018 at 11:30am, with a friends reception at the church at 10:30am prior to the mass. Interment with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery among her fellow warriors later this year. In lieu of flowers, generous contributions in Mary's name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (https://www.bcrf.org/) are welcomed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Gould
Dan Lindsay
January 16, 2025
Another seven years have passed without a Mary to make the world a better place. Truly unfortunate.
February 13, 2019
It it so sad to learn this way of Mighty Meg's death. I thought she would be in Europe or the Middle East running a squadron or more by now. We were together in Oklahoma City (Tinker AFB) and I visited with her in the Azores on her next tour. She spoke so well of her brothers and how she was the driving force in that relationship. She was very proud of you two.
I hope you have some relief that her burden with such a terrible thing as cancer is now over. She did tremendous things for the USAF and the country is better for her devoted service to it.
Rest In Peace, Mary.
Dan Lindsay
Santa Barbara, CA
Gail Hagen
September 11, 2018
John and I just learned of mary's passing. What a legacy she has honored you with. She has always maintained the strength of excellence in all she set her sights on. She will be greatly missed. A beautiful daughter,sister and friend to many.
Shelle Jackson
May 3, 2018
I just heard the news about Mary. I met her at a summer course at GW. She was such a character, bold and unabashed. And she was so kind. We stayed in touch a little after the course, and she never let on that she was ill. So sorry for you loss. She was an amazing woman.
Amir Osman
May 3, 2018
My deepest condolences to Mary's family and friends. I was her colleague during the summer course of 2015 at George Washington University. Mary was full of joy and wisdom. I remember once we had a heated debate in the class about the American unlawful/illegitimate occupation of Iraq and despite the strong disagreement, she was kind enough to exchange jokes and share her food with me after the class. I will always remember Mary as a lady of honor, courage and determination. RIP Mary Your colleague and friend Amir
Ron Bojanski
April 23, 2018
Mary and I dated when she was stationed at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, Ne. I left Nebraska shortly after she was promoted to captain. I returned 22 years later with cancer to spend my remaining time near family. I wanted to find this amazing lady that I had missed for so long. I found on the internet that I was three months too late. When I read the amazing career that she had, I wasn't surprised. She was the smartest person that I'd ever known. I will always cherish our time together.
Dean E. Geibel, Esq.
March 9, 2018
Mary and I went to Black Tie Ball in November 1989. She was a senior AFROTC cadet and I was an underclassman, so we tried to keep our date a secret. Two days later, we ended up on the front page of a Sunday Wilkes-Barre newspaper entertainment section (photos below). Mary looked stunning.
Our relationship over the past 30 years has been quite complicated. All I will say in public is that she is 8 days older than me, definitely more mature, and usually right.
On 20 December 2012, Mary sent me a text, "Hello Dean...I am OK. Cancer is gone...I deploy in June."
On 20 July 2017, I congratulated Mary on her new job. She replied, 'Thank you Dean. I hope all is well with you."
This was our last correspondence. I thought she was cancer free and on her way to become a diplomat. 5 months later, I learn from a Google search that Mary is dead from cancer. I am still in shock. I wish I had known that her cancer had returned.
Mary is beautiful, in the broadest sense of the word. She is strong. She is driven. She is competent. She loves cats and flowers. She is so much more than a wildly successful Air Force officer.
My sincerest, heartfelt condolences to Mary's family. No one should lose a twin sister, a sister, or a daughter so young. Mary is irreplaceable. She spoke kindly of each of you during our conversations over the years.
It sounds like she was in loving hands when she passed on to a better existence. I do not know you, but thank you.
May God bless you MEG. May God please bless you. After everything that you endured over the course of your short lifetime, you deserve blessings.
With love forever,
Penn State Wilkes-Barre Black Tie Ball, 21 October 1989
Dean Geibel
March 8, 2018
Wilkes-Barre Sunday Independent, 22 October 1989
Dean Geibel
March 8, 2018
Tom
February 27, 2018
I just learned today of her passing. I haven't talked to her in a few years but knew her very well at Wilkes. Mary was a top notch, deep thinker who had a wonderful carrying side to her. We laughed quite a bit but also tried to solve many of the world's problems. Mary, may GOD grant you eternal rest and salvation.
May 1994
Byron Boldt
February 4, 2018
February 3, 2018
California, 2006
James Hoy
February 3, 2018
Mary,
If it's true that "only the good die young" ... then you were the very finest, my dear girl. A steadfast warrior, an accomplished scholar, a trusted confidant, a beautiful friend, and my "precious gem!" From Christmas in Omaha to spring in San Diego, from the chaos of Baghdad to our last tender moments in Tampa ... you will remain deep within my heart and within those of my sisters, your family, and your many friends. You touched so many.
Oh, to have only seen what you had yet to accomplish. This nation is so much richer for your many gifts and so very diminished by your passing. If our sorrow can be assuaged it is through memories of how you lived your very full life and by the knowledge that we will see you yet again. Till then my sweet friend.
with love and great admiration,
Jim
Aubry Herrera
February 2, 2018
My condolences to the family of this very brave woman. I had the honor of meeting her when she was first diagnosed and both she and I helped each other through this battle with cancer. My heart goes out to her family. Rest easy ma'am, I know you're in good hands now watching over us all.
John Melori
January 30, 2018
May God Light your way to Heaven
JOYCE nee WILLIS
January 24, 2018
To the Gould Family:
I am sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of the summers spent at the Newfield Swim Club, and all those swim meets. The 15-18 year old girls would not have been the silly bunch without her.
You must be very proud of her many accomplishments throughout the years, and I thank her for the dedicated service to our country.
May time soften your sadness.
Byron Boldt
January 24, 2018
I met Mary when she was stationed in Omaha, NE. We dated for about 6 months. We stayed in touch for a few years even after she moved away. Mary had a major impact on my life and motivated me to be a better and stronger person. I was thinking about her today and wondering how she was doing. I typed her name and found she had just passed recently. I am shocked. I didn't know she had been ill. I just wanted to share a few words about how much she meant to me and how she will be missed. RIP Mary.
Brian. M Kane. United States Navy Retired
January 23, 2018
To my sister in arms thank you for your service to our country and defending our freedom no words could truly Express the gratitude that we owe you rest in peace now we have the watch
Xaviel Sudal
January 23, 2018
Rest in peace Thanks for your service.
January 23, 2018
Dear Harry and Connie, Matthew, Mark, and Kevin,
I was saddened to hear of Mary's passing, I know how proud you where of her accomplishments, I wish I had known her, she will be missed by everyone that she touched in her lifetime.
My prays are with you all!
Katherine Malyk
Westpoint, Indiana
Time to Fly
January 23, 2018
John
January 23, 2018
My condolences to the Gould family. Mary was a special person.
Mary. You accomplished much in the time you had. You will be missed.
Grace
January 23, 2018
Harry,
Sorry for your loss. Thank you, Mary, for your service. We will pray for you.
Virginia Morgan,Solanki
January 22, 2018
Thank you for your service Mary,and thanks for being a friend!! Rip sweet girl
Brenda (Peretti) Walenczyk
January 22, 2018
Thank you for your service, Mary. Prayers for her family as they celebrate her life and all those she touched.
Kevin Gould
January 22, 2018
My Beautiful Sister
I will Never Forget you.
Thank you for the beautiful memories.
They will be forever
You will Never be far from me .
I will see you a again.
Forever
Kevin
Pamela Bylone
January 22, 2018
I did not know Lt. Col. Gould but being former Air Force I have the utmost respect for her or any female that enters the Military to serve there country. She also is a daughter & sister to be so very proud of. I know the gates of Heaven opened there doors with a smile. I am deeply sorry for your families loss & will pray for you. When I got out of the A.F. they paid for my Nursing Career & left me with training that will always help me in life. I am formerly from Vineland & now retired to Orlando, Fl. I also pray in the days ahead you find peace & comfort. God Bless.
Dianne Condran
January 22, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss of Mary. I had the honor of caring for her in Tampa. I know I don't have to tell you what a fighter she was! Her main concern was protecting her family. We tried to give back and serve her as she did for us in her career. May God Bless you all and Mary, my friend and sister in Christ.....rest in Peace. Blessings to you all.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Gould's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Gould
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Gould's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
