Cleo Elizabeth Goldie was born in Springfield, OH. At the age of three, she and her parents Grafton and Laura Belle Taylor Grafton, moved to Toledo, OH. An only child, she attended the Toledo Public Schools, graduating from Scott High School. She later earned her BA and MA Degrees in Early Childhood Education from the University of Toledo. She also earned two education specialist degrees and entered their doctoral program. Because of her high scholastic achievement, she was inducted into the National Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi. In1942, she married Frank C. Goldie. She and Frank nurtured a 70 year marriage with great love, mutual respect and support. They had one child Susan Watson.

Her career in early childhood education began at Hamilton (Leverette) Elementary School where she taught Kindergarten. She went on to become a supervisor with Toledo Head Start, Director of Lucas County Children’s Services and as an Instructor and Advisor at Bowling Green State University in Early Childhood Development. After she and her husband Frank C. Goldie relocated to Chicago, IL she became Director of Head Start with the Department of Human Services. After retirement in 1990, she and her husband moved to Columbus, OH and in returned to Toledo, OH. During a time, when many women did not work, Cleo balanced career, marriage and family, and did it all, well. Cleo was an accomplished seamstress and made many of her daughter’s clothes. She was also a trained musician. She had grace and style, and the sweetest of spirits. Her gentle kindness made her the best wife, mother and teacher. Her husband adored her, as well as her family and students. She brought her admiration for education home to her daughter and made many life lessons, a part of her upbringing.

Cleo was a part of the civic and social scene in Toledo. She was a charter member of Toledo Jack and Jill, a charter member of Coterie, a member of the Charms, Inc and Toledo Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was also a faithful member of All Saints Episcopal Church. Cleo and Franks , traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

Cleo Goldie passed away January 31, 2012 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio- Detroit Avenue with Frank and Susan at her side.She leaves to cherish her memory, husband of 70 years, Frank C. Goldie, daughter Sharon Watson of Chicago, IL, aunt Kandice Kendall, nieces Beverly (Wayne) McKeller, Jessica McKeller, nephew Major John Reynolds, cousins Nicole Bishop, Karen Kendell , Mary Segur and special friend Marion Stokes.