Jane Gallagher Goggin

JANE GALLAGHER GOGGIN

August 12, 1939 – January 1, 2023

Wayne, Pennsylvania

Jane’s youth was spent with her five siblings living above the family drugstore in South Philadelphia and retreating to Longport in the summer. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy, when the school was located on Rittenhouse Square. A child of a bygone era where, in her neighborhood your last name was your credit card and your neighbors were simultaneously, constant protectors and your parents’ spies.  

Jane met her husband (Robert S. Goggin (Bob)) of 61 years, on a blind date. Their relationship survived two brutal realities, the endless drive down Broad Street from Onley to 17^th & Shunk (the expressway had not yet been built) and eight children. The former rectified itself, the latter did not.

After several years living on a U.S. Airforce base abroad, Jane and Bob settled down in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia. It was here that the bones of the family grew. While Bob oversaw everything external, Jane was the home’s benevolent dictator! As the family grew, so did Jane’s capacity to love, guide, mentor and feed countless friends and family, including what seemed to be the entire Sacred Heart Academy student body. All remember Jane’s Saturday morning greeting to any unknown weekend tenant, “who are you and how do you like your eggs?”

It was on Greenhill Rd, that the many of the Goggin children became adolescents and some adults. Just like the old house, the kids required endless remodeling. It was here that Jane and Bob got into their family groove. Jane was there, shepherding her flock through all the tumult and joy, never showing anything but grace, her eternal smile and on well-deserved occasions clenched teeth and daggered eyes. Paint splashing on a Saturday afternoon, wiffle ball, endless stools around the kitchen table, hoagies for the Eagles games, report card discussions, date nights, dinners at Gatsby’s, after school activities, the Christmas Eve Open House and the pervasive feeling of love, security, concern, and happiness. This was easy for Jane. Her ability to make you feel like the only person in the world as utter bedlam exploded all around, was her essence. Despite the enormous task at home, Jane became an avid tennis and golf player. She reveled in the friendships and competition which were readily available at Overbrook Golf Club.

Like all things, the Greenhill Road days passed, and Bryn Mawr days began. Some of the children were lucky enough to experience both. Jane insured that the spirit of the old and the new was consistent. Here she kept a watchful eye on daughter Sarah while enjoying calmer times Bob.

As Jane and Bob’s work and family duties diminished, the duo’s loving bond relocated to Marco Island. After many well-deserved years of “me time” Bob’s health began to decline, and Jane’s motherly instincts once again, came into full bloom.  She became the protector of all things internal and external.  She selflessly watched over, cared for, and protected her one true love to the very end. Although Bob lost his ability to speak Jane was convinced he did not lose his ability to listen. She kept him up to date on family, friends, and politics all the while subtlety and overtly making sure he felt and heard her love.  Although she passionately loved her family, the passing of her lifelong confidant and friend left a void that could not be filled. Six months later, Jane and Bob were reunited. We will see them both again in God’s glory.

Jane legacy continues through daughters, Jane Goggin, Suzanne Carlin (Leo), Sarah Goggin, sons, Robert (Kelly), Garrett (Marybeth), Peter, Brendan (Kristy) and Keenan (Pam) and 18 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Covenant House of Pennsylvania, 31 E. Armat St. Phila, Pa 19144

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