Carolyn Susan (Rush) Goddard

*** UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION ***

Carolyn Susan Goddard, 54, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 4, 2023 at Elkhart General Hospital from injuries sustained in a car/pedestrian accident earlier in the week.

Carolyn was born on November 9, 1968 in Elkhart and was the first born daughter of the late Hugh M. and Evelyn L. (Redd) Rush. On May 2, 1992, Carolyn married James P. Goddard in Elkhart. James survives at home after 31 years together.

She is also survived by her daughters Bethany (Josh) Clingaman, Anna and Sharon Goddard, all of Elkhart, and Melody Goddard of Skagway, Alaska; her son James P. M. Goddard, who remains at home; brothers Marvin Rush of Goshen and Charles Rush of Elkhart, and a host of loving relatives, extended family and friends.  She is preceded in death by three unborn children but on a happier note, Carolyn was expecting her first grandchild before the end of the year.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, a private burial will take place at Prairie Street Cemetery on Friday, September 8, 2023. Public services for Carolyn will be hosted at Fellowship Baptist Church in South Bend on Saturday, September 23, 2023, with visitation from 3 to 5 PM and a memorial service to follow beginning at 5 PM. 

Carolyn was a dedicated homemaker, mother, spouse and friend, and her natural curiosity led her to be knowledgeable about many different things.  She was a devoted mother, and she home-schooled all five of her children from kindergarten age on up. As mentioned previously, her passion for unlocking the unknown was not just a personal thing, but something she considered valuable and wished to pass on to her children through creative methods of instruction.

Simply speaking, Carolyn just loved to connect with people, especially those with whom she shared common interests. Carolyn would never miss a chance to strike up a conversation with a potential friend or pass up an opportunity to learn how to do new and different things.

Carolyn was a 1986 graduate of Concord High School and never slowed down in her lifelong love of knowledge. She attended both Grace College and IUSB. She was a ten year 4-Her and volunteered in the organization her entire life. She was an accomplished violist and bassist. She was conversationally fluent in French and enjoyed practicing with her children. She was an avid and prolific knitter, crocheter, seamstress and an active quilter, a tradition handed down to her from her grandmother. Carolyn would never miss a Mennonite Relief Sale, curating stacks of finely crafted fabrics for future projects. She was a master at the art of homemaking and loved to bake and make special treats for her family.

She was a steadfast, unwavering Christian and spent many dedicated hours with her children learning about the Scriptures and memorizing spiritual songs and hymns. It was her desire that each of her family members have a meaningful and lasting relationship with the Lord, and she prayed earnestly for those she did not know. Additionally, Carolyn was passionate about donating her time to worthy and charitable organizations and was involved in many different volunteer efforts including donating handmade baby items to Elkhart General Hospital.

Carolyn loved the outdoors and was constantly seeking new ways to enjoy nature. She liked to ski, bike and hike; however, a simple nature walk was always the best medicine for Carolyn, and she enjoyed identifying trees and edible plants along the way. In many ways, Carolyn found peace and a closeness to her Creator when she was on a walk.

Carolyn struggled with fear and anxiety for most of her adult life; hereditary conditions set in motion by the loss of a full term child before birth. Her actions resulting from this could be hard to understand but were always motivated by her desire to protect and care for her family. Carolyn’s family honors her courage and bravery in the face of sometimes overwhelming adversity and thanks her for her lifelong commitment to their care and well-being. Tres bien, mon amie.

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