Dora Lavee Godfrey, 87, of Essex Junction, passed away surrounded by family at the home of her daughter Debra on October 26, 2018. Dora was born January 21st, 1931, to Loretta (Devino), and Harris Lavee, in Essex Junction, Vermont. In her earlier years she pursued an active life of simple pleasures – a talented skier, square-dancer, and award-winning roller-skater. Dora married her husband, Edgar (Bill) Godfrey, in Hertford, North Carolina, on February 14th, 1952; they were married for 56 years before he passed away. Dora will be remembered for a life lived in service to others: the patients whom she served as a nurse of 30 years; and a devoted member of her church communities in Vermont and North Carolina. Above all, Dora held family closest to her heart. She is survived by her daughter: Debra Boutin of Essex Junction, her son Michael Godfrey and his wife Gail of Essex Junction,her son William Paul Godfrey and his wife Patricia of Lakeland, Florida, and her daughter Lisa Dike and husband Geoffrey of South Burlington; her grandchildren: Jason Boutin and his wife Jaime Boutin, Jessica Boutin, Chelsea Godfrey, Alyssa Godfrey, Andrew Dike, Evan Dike, Hannah Godfrey, and Nathan Dike; and her great-grandchildren: Liam Moulton, Riley Boutin, and Reese Boutin, sister Dorothy Dow and husband Roger and brother Robert Lavee. Dora was predeceased by her brother Raymond Lavee, her sister Mary Kjono, and her son-in-law, Hector Boutin. The needs and wants of her family were always utmost in her thoughts and actions, and her love for them shone through every gesture made and every question posed. She was at her happiest joining in the laughter and the love of her family on the many happy occasions when all were gathered together in celebration of one of life’s milestones.
Visiting hours will be conducted at A.W. Rich Funeral Home (57 Main St, Essex Junction) from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30th. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Essex Center United Methodist Church (119 Center Rd, Essex Junction). The family would like to express thanks to Maple Ridge Memory Care, whose staff and facilities helped tend to Dora in her illness, and their deepest gratitude to Dr. James Dougherty of Evergreen Family Health, who provided comprehensive and compassionate care for Dora for many years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Home Health & Hospice, who were instrumental in making Dora’s final transition as peaceful and comfortable as it could be (find donation instructions @ https://www.uvmhomehealth.org/). The family also invites you to share your memories by visiting www.awrfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dora M. (Lavee) Godfrey, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.