Geraldine Godburn

Wallingford-- Geraldine Crandall Dobratz Godburn died December 5, 2009 at the Masonic Healthcare Center. She was born April 9, 1917 in Oakfield, Maine to Henry and Mildred (Trafton) Crandall. She was known as 'Gen' to her family and 'Gerry' to her friends. As a young child, her parents, younger brother Hilson and baby sister Faustina traveled by train to their new home in Meriden. Before marrying her first husband Bob Dobratz in 1937, he told her that he wanted a happy marriage like the one enjoyed by her parents. From what their children saw, that wish was fulfilled until Bob died suddenly at the age of 49. Geraldine is survived by four children, Donald Dobratz and his wife Sharon of Athens, AL, Darryl Dobratz and his wife Susan of Southington, Cynthia Stewart and husband Jim of Houston, TX and Hancock, ME and Peter Dobratz of Hancock, ME. She also leaves six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, a brother, Henry Crandall Jr., and two sisters, Donna Butterfield and Barbara Parmelee In addition to her first husband, Robert E. Dobratz and her second husband James K. Godburn she is predeceased by her sisters Jean Reynolds and Faustina Small, a brother Hilson Crandall and his wife Mary. Six years after Bob died, Geraldine met and married Jim Godburn of Meriden. He and his two children were grieving the recent loss of his wife and their mother, but welcomed Geraldine into their family with open arms. They were married for almost 39 years when Jim died last June at the age of 88. Geraldine is also survived by Jim's two children, Dennis Godburn and his wife Moy Eng and their two daughters of California and Denise and her husband Michael Beal of Manfield Center, CT. Geraldine enjoyed decorating her home, cooking, sewing, quilting and getting dressed up for special occasions. 'A pair of earings and a little lipstick will perk you up!' was her mantra. Her later years were spend happily rocking next to Jim, going for rides, eating out, shopping for a bargain, and visiting with family and friends. A rewarding and loving experience was had by all who chose to be in her life. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 18, 2009 at 11:00am at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Geraldine's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice. The Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden is in charge of the arrangements.