PEABODY- Judith Ann (Kippin) Goclawski, 69, of Peabody, died peacefully on Saturday, June 9, 2007, in Youville Hospital in Cambridge after experiencing a brief series of complications due to esophageal cancer.
Born in Marblehead, Mrs. Goclawski was the daughter of the late Barry F. Kippin and Eleanor (Chandler) Kippin Eason.
Mrs. Goclawski, LPN and ordained minister, graduated from Gloucester High School in 1956. She received a number of degrees in Biblical and Pastoral studies while nursing; until she received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Church Music from North American University in 1991. An accomplished operatic vocalist, in her spare time Mrs. Goclawski taught Vocal Technique and beginning Piano at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, Sarring School of Music and Art, and gave private lessons. Mrs. Goclawski had lead and soloist positions in opera troupes, symphonies and orchestras (one being soloist with the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra) and was guest soloist in a number of churches throughout MA, NH and Maine. In recent years she sang solo, in choir and was occasional lecturer at St. John the Baptist Parish in Salem. Her last positions were as Asst. Pastor at the United Methodist Church in Essex, and most recently, as Pastor of Music at the First United Methodist Church in Peabody. She belonged to a number of organizations including the Polish Legion of American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary, Post 55 of Salem, and Rebekah Lodge #64 of Peabody.
Mrs. Goclawski was the beloved wife of Tadeusz Goclawski, and adored mother of John Conklin of Peabody, mother and mother-in-law of Tadeusz R. and Rachel Goclawski of Chelmsford, and grandmother of Michelle Conklin of Peabody. Mrs. Goclawski is survived by brothers Robert Kippin and wife Charlotte of Plaistow, NH, John and wife Joyce Kippin of Ipswich, sisters Barbara Grimes of Essex, Ruth and husband Douglas Hughes and Susan and Louis Maniates of Essex, many nieces and nephews and an aunt, Mrs. William Nys of Danvers. She was beloved by many friends and neighbors, including Arlene Nickola, Cindy Jameson, and Grayce Conklin of Peabody. She was predeceased by her brother James Linscott, formerly of Beverly.
Her funeral will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at 9 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a service at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church, 24 Washington St., Peabody. Visiting hours are Tuesday, 4 to 8 pm. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For online guestbook and other information, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.