Iris C. Thoroughgood, loved mentoring others
Iris C. Thoroughgood, wife of the late Joseph W. Thoroughgood, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
She was born Jan. 14, 1930, in Nassau, daughter of Minos T. and Anna Mae Conaway. She grew up with her five siblings on her parents' dairy farm next to Red Mill Pond, which later became the subdivision known as Edgewater Estates.
After graduating from high school, Iris continued her education and became a dental hygienist for Dr. Nolan in Rehoboth. It was at this dental office where a patient of hers eventually became her husband of 59 years, Joe Thoroughgood.
She was a homemaker, raising two daughters; as they got older, she did sewing alterations for many people in the Rehoboth and Lewes area.
Iris was well known for her contagious smile, and she enjoyed helping others. She was active with the All Saints’ Rehoboth Christmas Shop in its early years, she volunteered at the Easter Seals in Georgetown, and Iris was the treasurer and then became the president of the Milton Senior Center for many years.
But her greatest pleasure was mentoring others, especially women, to learn to live as she did... “One Day at a Time." She made many wonderful friends and hoped others would follow in her footsteps to help others in need.
In her later years, she was fortunate to have many wonderful caretakers who helped her stay in her own home as long as possible. The family was so fortunate to have these people in their lives; they provided a kind and loving atmosphere for Iris. After she moved to assisted living, she was blessed with even more caring people who helped her to be content and comfortable.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Iris was predeceased by four brothers, Minos T. Conaway Jr., Melloy (Pete) Conaway, Elberon T. Conaway and Charles (Cliff) Conaway; and one sister, Margaret C. Moore.
She is survived by her two daughters, Denise T. Goepel and her husband Charles of Severna Park, Md., and their two children, John Goepel and his wife Dori of Smithburg, Md., and Katherine Goepel of Minnetonka, Minn., and her other daughter, Tina M. Thoroughgood and her partner, Susan M. Schening of Milton.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at St. George's Episcopal Chapel, Harbeson. Interment followed in the adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Iris' name to Gull House, 38149 Terrace Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
