Obituary of Verna Ferro Gooden

Verna Ferro Gooden was born on April 28, 1935, to Matteo & Lucia Ferro, of Paterson, New Jersey and passed from this earth into the profound loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on January 30, 2024, at the age of 88.

Adored by her children and family, Verna leaves a beautiful heritage including 5 children, Victor Scine, Regina Lee (Hugh), Robert Gooden (Tracy), Elizabeth Palmer (Jim), and David Gooden (Jodi Anna),17 precious grandchildren, many dearly loved great grandchildren, two sisters - Lucy Mazza and Patricia Ferrara and a brother Matthew Ferro and many nieces and nephews.  Verna was preceded in glory by her parents Matteo and Lucia Ferro, two siblings Antonio Ferro and Margherita Volpe, her granddaughter Nikki Lee, and son in law, Tony Lee Jr.

Verna graduated in 1953 from St. Bonaventure High School in Paterson, NJ with high honors and was recognized as “Most Likely to Dance with Arthur Murray.”  Even at her retirement residence she made others laugh from her walker with a little dance. She completed Secretarial School and throughout her career held positions as Bookkeeper, Bank Teller, and Executive Secretary. 

Verna moved her family from New Jersey to Marion County Florida in 1974. She was active member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, the Eucharistic Ministry for the homebound, The Divine Mercy - St. Faustina, and a member of the Padre Pio Foundation.  Her love of Padre Pio began as a child learning that her father served him as an altar boy in Italy.  Verna actively followed Padre Pio’s ministry of healing prayers.

Throughout life Verna loved to sing and dance.  She taught her children to love Christ.  Verna’s life displayed faithfulness, love of family and tradition.  Verna was an amazing cook!  She enjoyed dancing, Broadway, Sinatra, and all things Italian.  With all the riches of her teaching and love, we will forever miss Verna and greatly rejoice she is finally Home.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church located at 5 SE 17^th St, Ocala, FL 34471.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 am, at the Church Chapel and Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30. Internment will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Park at 1515 NE 3^rd St, Ocala, FL 34470. 

Verna’s children wish to thank the Trappist Monks of St. Benedict Iowa for the beautiful hand carved, prayer filled casket of pine she chose. If you feel lead, in lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation to the Charities of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida.