Ava Gobeil

Mrs. Ava Maxine Fearnow Gobeil, of Pleasant Grove, passed away at age 96 on Oct. 20, 2012. She was born in West Virginia to John Tyler and Bettie Fearnow in 1915, but lived most of her life in Homewood. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Henry G. Gobeil, her son and caregiver, Henry G. Gobeil, Jr., her brothers Henry Fearnow, George Fearnow, John Fearnow, and her sister Ellen DeHaven. She is survived by her daughter, Georgette Welch, and her husband, Jerry, of Pleasant Grove, and her sister Catherine Dougal (Texas). She was born on Christmas day, and as a child she loved to play the piano. At a young age she moved to Washington D.C. to work and put herself through comptometer school. There she met her future husband, Henry. They lived in Virginia until he began working for Eastern Airlines. After several transfers, they settled in Homewood in 1963. Maxine was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and a self-taught seamstress. For her, happiness was working in the garden. she was especially proud of her vegetable garden in New Jersey and her rock garden in Homewood. Both were filled with a variety of flowers, plants, and vegetables. She believed that "One is nearer God's heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth". Maxine will be remembered for the love and devotion she had for her family, as well as her many talents and Christian values. We admire her brave struggle with dementia. She was the wind beneath our wings. The family thanks Doris Hamby, her long time caregiver. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 12:30 until 1 PM at the Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 1 PM in the Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.