Sylvia F. (Kleckner) Goodling

Sylvia (Kleckner) Goodling of Elizabethtown, formerly of York, passed away at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown on April 2, 2022 at age 87. Born on May 2, 1934, she was the first child of Frank and Susan (Bretz) Kleckner. Sylvia and the late Larry Goodling were married for 41 years until his death in 2015.

Throughout the 1960s she worked in data-processing at Dentsply and Caterpillar while also earning her private pilot’s license and enjoying cross-country flying adventures. Later she opened her own seamstress business, Sylvia’s Sewing Room, capable of designing and sewing complete wardrobes for clients.

Sylvia had a curiosity for life and was always on the go, always looking for volunteer opportunities. She tutored ESL to Eastern European refugee families, assisted where needed at York Hospital, delivered Meals on Wheels, and fundraised as past-president of the Shiloh Lioness Club.

She was an active member of Shiloh UCC.  An accomplished artist since childhood, she created a dozen 30” x 40” oil paintings depicting “The Life of Christ” for the church. When she and husband Larry retired to Masonic Village they joined the Sell Chapel congregation. She volunteered as a Village tour guide, worked at the residents’ transportation desk, and continued sewing. Her favorite activity was the Masonic Art Club, painting many scenes inspired by the lovely campus.

Sylvia is survived by sister Carol Zinn and her daughter Angela; sister Susan Spittle and her husband John; brother Gregory Kleckner; step-son Darryl Goodling and wife Dorothy; longtime friends Connie Doll and Paulette Flemmens; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her step-son Brian Goodling.

The family would like to thank the Nursing and Hospice staff at Masonic Healthcare Center for Sylvia’s care. A service will be held at Elizabethtown Masonic Village in Sell Chapel, 200 Freemason Drive, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 23rd followed by a Committal Service in the Columbarium.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Elizabethtown.