Ethel M. (Neary) Goldsmith

Ethel M. Goldsmith (nee Neary) passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2022, with her family by her side.  She is the beloved wife of the late James "Goldie" Goldsmith. Devoted mother of Deanna "Dee" Golden, Joann Farrell, William H. Wilcox Jr. (Lylia), and her bonus son Thomas "Butzer" Hall. Loving Gram of Tammy Spear (Kevin), Billy Golden (Eileen), Tracy Chambers (John), TJ Farrell (Holly), Jackie Wilcox (Jeff Kusen), Billy Wilcox III, and Dana Wilcox (Belle).  Adoring GiGi to Tyler, Alyssa, Karli, Jared, Hannah, Madison, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Aubrey, Billy, Liam, Finley, Ellie, and Brynleigh. Dear sister of Thomas Patrick Neary (Annamay), Karlene Porter (Gary), and the late Margaret "Peggy" Neary and Dave "Bopper" Neary. Sadly missed by her sister in law Kathleen "Tootsie" Romano (John) and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ethel was raised in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, on Oxford Street, and remained in the neighborhood throughout her life.  She worked hard to give her children the best things in life and spent all of her time making sure they had everything they wanted and needed.  She would spend countless hours making Halloween costumes for them and every year they would win Best Costume in the local parade. She also went above and beyond on Christmas, her favorite holiday, to make sure that it was special for her kids, and then her grandkids and great grandkids. Every inch of her home was decorated and every single present was wrapped, no matter how small. 

Ethel was always the life of the party. She loved music and dancing, a love she passed on to her family. She also loved playing cards, especially poker, and shuffleboard. Ethel was a member of the Dollies and loved coordinating all of their shows and events. In her later years, she enjoyed trips to the beach with Goldie and going to the casino. 

Ethel was truly one of a kind and the example of a true Fishtowner. She was fun and loving and completely devoted to her family. She brought joy to everyone in her life. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she will be reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her, especially her beloved Goldie. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and funeral Tuesday February 22, 2022 from 7-9pm and Wednesday from 9-10am in the Hubert M. McBride Funeral Home 2357 East Cumberland Street Philadelphia PA 19125.  Funeral Mass 10:30am in St. Anne Church (lower) 2328 East Lehigh Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19125. Interment Oakland Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the FOP Lodge 5 Survivor's Fund 11630 Caroline Rd. Philadelphia PA 19154.

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