ROSELIE P. GOEPFERT
1920-2016
Roselie Pittman Goepfert, age 95, died in Dallas April 21, 2016, of natural causes, with her family by her side, following 50 days of illness, recovery, and re-hospitalization that she bore with good grace and humor. Her first thoughts and concerns were often for the health and well being of others. Roselie is survived by her daughter Dr. Marilynn G. Punaro and husband Vincent J. Punaro of Dallas; granddaughter Amy P. Calhoun and husband Michael B. Calhoun of Roseville, Ca.; niece Chriss Altis and husband Marvin Altis of Wisconsin Rapids; nephew David W. Pittman II, and wife Kathy Pittman of Durham, N.C.; and numerous grand nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Ben L. Goepfert of Spring Texas, and by her brother David Walter Pittman of Taylorville, Il. Born in Lewistown, Illinois, to Ross Pittman and Frances Gibble Pittman, as a youth Roselie appreciated visits to her mother’s relatives farm in the country, where the virtues of family and hard work, and food were all in good supply. Besides family and friends, closest to Roselie’s heart throughout her life were numerous cats and kittens that she fostered or adopted – all cherished as her own. At age 16 Roselie moved with her mother and brother to Springfield, Illinois. She enjoyed dancing, and had a steady partner before the war. She met her future husband at the Illinois State Fair, recalling that he, as a somewhat sunburned redhead wearing the fair’s orange work clothes, stood out. He would become a distinguished Civil Engineer with Shell Oil Company, after serving in the Army Corps of Engineers in WWII. Having separately experienced the great depression, Roselie and Ben wed in 1942, and together faced WWII, raised their daughter, established homes in New Orleans, Southern California, and Texas as they moved, and visited much of the United States by car.
Roselie worked as a school librarian in California, a secretarial assistant to a Louisiana State Senator and was always an energetic homemaker, cook, and faithful correspondent. When her vision declined, she kept up daily phone conversations, learning how to speed and voice dial. A talented seamstress, Roselie made many clothes for her family, including the wedding dress for her daughter, with embroidery added by her own mother. Settling in Spring, Texas, Roselie and Ben became active members of Northwoods Presbyterian Church. In retirement, Roselie was the indispensable support for “Ben-Ro” enterprises, by which Ben referred to their vigorous volunteer efforts in support of church, friends, and family. After Ben’s passing, Roselie said of her neighbors in Spring, “They treated me like family.” The family acknowledges the dedicated medical and dental care that contributed substantially to Roselie’s quality of life and longevity. Loving mother, mother in law, grandmother, Aunt, and loyal friend to many, you will forever be in our hearts.
A memorial service in celebration of Roselie’s life will be held August 13 at 11:00 am, at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, Texas.
For those who wish, contributions in Roselie’s memory can be made to Northwoods Church (www.northwoods. org), to Compassion International, or to your local animal shelter.