Margaret Gooden

GOODEN FAIRHOPE Margaret Hansen Gooden was the unofficial greeter for Fairhope for over 30 years, as Fairhope’s Welcome Wagon lady. Retiring at 90, she moved from her home on Fairhope Avenue to Live Oak Assisted Living in Foley in 2004. Mrs. Gooden died peacefully Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the age of ninety-nine (99).  She was born on November 2, 1910, in Oakland, Nebraska, where she taught at a one-room school; she moved to Foley in the 40’s with her first husband Clarence Larson and her three children Rodney, Larry and Kay.  They followed her parents Harry and Ella Hansen who farmed and had the tractor business in Foley for many years.  After her first husband’s death, she met and married Donald Winston Gooden from Fairhope.  Margaret is survived by two of her four children: Larry Larson of Bradenton, Florida; and Donna Soto of Foley.  Rodney Larson of Dublin, Georgia and Kay Larson Ellison preceded her. She had 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. She also has one surviving sibling in the area: Dean Hansen of Foley. Margaret and Don Gooden were involved in the formation of the Traditional Protestant Episcopal Church in Point Clear.  She worked hard, enjoyed gardening, and played lots of bridge. She will have a graveside service at The Colony Cemetery at 2 pm on Saturday, February 27 th . ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO ROAD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532