Johnnie Ann Gooch

Johnnie Ann (Martel) Gooch, 81 KENNEBUNK -- Johnnie Ann (Martel) Gooch, 81, died peacefully at St. Andre's Health Care in Biddeford, on Dec. 22, 2009. She was predeceased by her first husband, Reginald F. Martel in 1987 and her second husband, Carroll E. Gooch in 2008. Johnnie Ann was born in Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 8, 1928, the daughter of Robert E. and Sarah Carroll. Her father worked in both the insurance and restaurant businesses and the family lived in various places such as Monticello, Ark.; Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla.; and Memphis, Tenn. Her parents divorced and at age 15, she married R.F. Martel, who was serving in the Navy in Green Cove Springs during WWII, as an Aviation Machinist Mate. A year later, 1944, Martel received military orders, so he sent his wife, Johnnie Ann and their four week old son, Timmie, to Kennebunk, to live with his parents, Nettie and Timothy Martel, until he returned after the war. After Martel was honorably discharged from the Navy, they bought a home and resided in Arundel for several years. After the birth of their second son, Johnnie Eugene, Mrs. Martel worked as a waitress at several local restaurants, she worked at Murdock's Pharmacy in Kennebunk, and she was the lead salesperson at the Blue Wave Gift Shop in Kennebunk for many years. Johnnie Ann later opened and successfully operated her own business in Kennebunk called, Johnnie's Spot. After being robbed at gun point, she decided to close her business. When the family moved to Connecticut in 1957, she was hired by G. Fox Co. in Hartford, Conn. and was trained as a Charles La Ritz Beauty Consultant. After the family returned to Maine in 1958, she became a Beauty and Wig Consultant for Jordon Marsh Company at the Maine Mall. She also completed training as a Beautician and ran a successful business called Johnnie's Beauty Shop for several years. Johnnie Ann was a beautiful lady who excelled at everything that she ever did. After the death of her first husband, she married Carroll E. Gooch of Kennebunkport in 1992, owner of the Shackford and Gooch Company and the Johnnie Ann (Martel) Gooch Clam Shack in Kennebunkport. Johnnie Ann and Carroll Gooch were soul mates and best friends. They enjoyed and respected each other's company immensely and they were proud to say that they had never had an argument. They loved to tease each other and to eat out at local restaurants with family and friends. They wintered at Port St. Lucie, Fla., for several years and then moved to Fort Pierce. After Mr. Gooch passed away, Johnnie moved back to Kennebunk to be closer to family and friends. She bought a condominium in Kennebunk and was very happy until her stroke on Sept. 18. While rehabilitating at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital, she caught the H1N1 Virus and never recovered from its affects. Mrs. Gooch was a Past Worthy Matron and Life Member of Madonna Chapter of The Order of Eastern Star located in West Kennebunk. She was also a 65 year member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Johnnie Ann was predeceased by her first and second husbands, R.F. Martel and Carroll E. Gooch; and also, her older brother Robert Eugene Carroll. She is survived by her younger sister, Lois Hunt of Virginia; two sons Tim Martel of Topsham and Johnnie Martel of Kennebunk, two daughters, Laurie Hunter of Kennebunk and Karen Williams of Florida; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by services at 3 p.m. by the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. A memorial service will follow immediately with the Rev. Janet Leighninger presiding. Internment will follow in the spring of 2010 in Hope Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel. www.bibberfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Animal Welfare Society P.O. Box 43 West Kennebunk, Maine 04094