Rhoda V. (Goddard) Bracy

     Rhoda V. Goddard Bracy, 83, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026 in Dover, Delaware, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 28, 1942 in Sonoma County, California, Rhoda lived a life defined by faith, service, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

     Raised on a cattle ranch and reservation, Rhoda developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, animals, and the simple beauty of nature. Those early experiences shaped her values of hard work, compassion, and community—principles she carried throughout her life. After graduating from Alturas High School in California, she proudly joined the United States Army, serving as Military Police.

     A devoted Catholic, Rhoda rooted her life in faith and service. She spent many years volunteering at Immaculate Conception Church & School in Levittown, Pennsylvania, where she was active in several church groups, including the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Youth Organization. She also served as a school lunch mother, lovingly caring for the children she met each day. After relocating to Delaware, Rhoda continued her spiritual journey at Holy Cross Church.

     Rhoda’s generosity knew no limits. For more than 20 years, she was a dedicated Girl Scout leader, shaping and inspiring countless young girls with her warmth and guidance. She was a trusted neighborhood babysitter, a devoted caregiver to a close friend’s mother, and a constant source of comfort to anyone in need. Her family fondly recalls, “She never met a stranger. She would give her last to provide someone else a feeling of comfort and security.”

     Family was always the center of her world. Rhoda never missed a single show, game, or competition her children participated in—cheering from the sidelines or working the concession stand with pride and joy. She loved watching football, especially her Philadelphia Eagles, as well as horse races, game shows, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and gardening. Her love for Wayne’s barbecue was well known, and she would request it daily. She cherished Western movies, her flower gardens, and the many birds that visited her feeders. Rhoda could sit for hours at the window, praying with her cherished Rosary beads and taking in the beauty of God’s nature.

     One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother. Her granddaughters will forever treasure their daily after‑school trips to Walgreens—secret adventures filled with treats, laughter, and her playful teasing. These beloved routines, repeated day after day, captured her essence: fun, loving, and endlessly devoted.

     Rhoda’s kindness extended far beyond her home. She supported many charities throughout her life, with St. Joseph’s Indian School holding a special place in her heart. Her deep love of animals also led her to support several animal welfare organizations. Her devotion to law enforcement, United States troops, and emergency personnel inspired her to contribute to many service‑support organizations as well.

     Rhoda was preceded in death by her loving husband, James E. Bracy, and her parents, Hugh and Margaret Goddard. She is survived by her children: Rhoda (Angel) Bracy-Miller (Michael), Ramona Bracy (Wayne), Rochelle Bracy-Frustaci (Lori), James Bracy (Eleanor), and Michael A. Bracy (Pam). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Alexis, Jasmine, Tyler, Michael, Benjamin, Marcus, April, John, Erica; her siblings, LuRena Silva and Kenneth Goddard, her beloved “adopted” son, James Clark and “lady upstairs”, Sharon Devonish.

     Her memory will live on through all those she loved, all those she served, and all whose lives were brightened by her grace, strength, compassion, and quick wit. May we honor her by putting her goodness back into the world—allowing her to live on in our hearts, in our words, and in the kindness we show each other.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Doggone Happy Animal Rescue in Rhoda’s honor. Doggone Happy Animal Rescue 1328 Gallo Road Harrington, DE 19952 Email: dhardogs@gmail.com Website: doggonehappyde.com. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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