Frances (Malak) Goodrich

Frances (Malak) Goodrich, 81, died April 27, 2026, at the Villa at the Bay assisted living in Petoskey.

She was born on March 16, 1945, in Ferndale, Michigan. Her family eventually made the move to Northern Lower Michigan where they established residence in Conway, Michigan.

In 1967, she married the love of her life, Tim Goodrich, and the two were married for 45 years until Tim passed away from cancer in 2012.

Frances spent nearly 30 years working in the Dietary Department at the local hospital in Petoskey and proved herself to be a devoted employee who was rarely absent. Upon retiring in 2006, she devoted her energies to caring for her sick husband.

Fran enjoyed her morning coffee and sitting outside enjoying nature. She was happy feeding the birds and rabbits in her yard and found immense pleasure watching them when they came to visit her. She was a lover of all animals, especially cats. She enjoyed gardening, and though not formally trained, she had a natural talent for home decorating. Fran also worked as a volunteer at the Challenge Mountain Resale Store for some time after her retirement from the hospital.

During her younger years, she selflessly spent many hours driving her sons to ball games, practices, and school events.

Frances was quiet, but once she got to know you, she had a good sense of humor. She had an unassuming way of getting someone to recognize and accept the truth. She could influence a person more by saying little rather than a lot. Her most distinguishing attribute was her unconditional love for her family.

Fran was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew her. She is already deeply missed by her family and friends. She leaves behind two sons, Randy and Ryan Goodrich; a brother Stanley Malak Jr.; and three sisters Debra “Debbie” (Michael) Haydell, Rachel (Jerry) Goodrich, and Diane Curtis; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Timothy Goodrich; parents, Rachel and Stanley Malak, Sr.; brothers Frank and David Malak; and brother-in-law William Curtis.

Funeral services will be held at Stone Funeral Home on May 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Rev. David Behling will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Littlefield Township Cemetery following the service.

Friends and family wishing to make a donation in memory of Fran are encouraged to consider the following: Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Challenge Mountain Resale Store in Boyne City, MI. and the Alzheimer’s Association.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.