Margaret “Marge” Ann von Goeben, 80, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on August 9, 2026. Her father was in the Navy, so the family lived in Morocco, Miami, and Norfolk, before eventually settling in Tallahassee, Florida in 1963. Her mother was a homemaker raising Marge and her older brother.

Marge’s connection to the Tallahassee community and to Florida State University remained a cherished part of her life. She earned her diploma at Florida High School and worked in the Meteorology Department at FSU as a Research Grant Administrator until she retired in 1998. During her lifetime, she also volunteered to serve in the front office at Leon High School, a local animal rescue organization, and a local homeless shelter.

Marge met her husband, Roland von Goeben, Jr., in a bowling league in Tallahassee in 1967 and they married in Mexico in 1968. Over the span of their 56 years together, they built a life filled with love, friendship, family, books, laughter, and adventure. Some of her fondest memories were made tailgating with family and friends at FSU football games, where laughter and lively conversation seemed endless.

She and Roland were avid readers who enjoyed all kinds of literature and shared a deep appreciation for learning and the gospel. The two split their retirement between Tallahassee and their beach condo on the island of Brigantine, NJ. They enjoyed taking the train when traveling and loved the excitement of the Atlantic City casinos and morning bike rides on the boardwalk.

During her lifetime, Marge was an avid runner and tennis player. She was a regular at the tennis courts and became a regular participant and volunteer with the Georgia Florida tennis league. Bridge with her husband and friends became her final competitive outlet.

Marge had a special love for nature and animals, with a particular affinity for cats. Her home reflected that love, filled with beautiful art and treasured pieces centered on animals and the natural world. For Marge, animals were not simply a subject of admiration. They were a source of joy, comfort, and wonder.

Those who knew Marge will remember her extraordinary memory and remarkable ability to recall dates, details, and stories with astonishing precision. Her recollection of even the smallest details was legendary, and she could often surprise those around her by remembering things others had long forgotten.

Perhaps what defined Marge most was her enthusiasm for life. She embraced adventure and celebrated each milestone with joy. For her 40th birthday, she went hot-air ballooning over Tallahassee, landing at Leon High School—a fittingly unforgettable celebration for a woman who lived life boldly and fully. Her visit to India, which included a visit to the Taj Mahal, was her most memorable and furthest distance she traveled from home.

Marge was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roland, and her parents John and Margaret (Roberts) Van Domelen. She leaves behind her brother John, three sons Neal (Stacey) Johnson, Jr., Larry (Stacy Fenn) von Goeben, and Rick (Kari) von Goeben, and four grandchildren as well many other family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her intelligence, generosity, humor, adventurous spirit, and unwavering zest for life.

Marge will be interred beside her husband, Roland, in Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.