Biography

WATERTOWN - Catherine Smith Goodkin, “Kit,” 91, died peacefully at Waterbury Hospital with her family around her in the early hours of Sunday, March 7, 2010. She was born on August 5, 1918, in Waterbury and grew up in Oakville on Rockdale Avenue adjacent to the family factory, Seymour Smith and Sons. She was the daughter of the late Harold H. and Mary (New) Smith. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Albert R. Goodkin, with whom she helped begin and run the All-Brite Chemical Company in Oakville for many years. She attended South School in Oakville, Baldwin School and Watertown High School after moving to Watertown in 1928, and graduated from Hillhouse High School in New Haven in 1936. She studied chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia until her marriage in 1939 when she returned to the Waterbury area. She completed her B.S. Degree in Psychology at Quinnipiac University in the late 1960s.
She was devoted to her four children, Sybil C. Goodkin, of Watertown, Elethea M. Goodkin of Westfield, Mass., Harrison S. Goodkin of Vail, Arizona, and Krista G. Allen and their spouses. She adored her eight grandchildren: Allyson, David, Alaina, Jesse, Robert, Kayla, Ryan, and Jacob, and her one great grandchild, Alexander.
She lived in her beloved home in Watertown for 60 years, loved her flower gardens, and was a good friend and neighbor. She loved people and animals, actively contributed to causes and charities up until her death, and touched many for the better in her life. She volunteered at the Waterbury Day Nursery, the Women’s Emergency Shelter “Safe Haven,” the Meloria Children’s Hospital in Waterbury, and, with her husband, for the Red Cross. She was an elegant lady and will be very much missed by many.
A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, March 13th, 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 40 DeForest St.. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery is private. There are no calling hours. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St.
Contributions in Mrs. Goodkin’s memory may be made to Acts 4 Clothing Ministry, 150 East Aurora St., Waterbury, CT 06708; Watertown Fire Department, 935 Main St., Watertown, CT 06795; Watertown Food Bank, 51 Depot St., Suite 108, Watertown, CT 06795; or to Watertown Land Trust, PO Box 382, Watertown, CT 06795
For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.hickcoxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial Service

Saturday March 13, 2010, 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church
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