Flint's Beloved Mother Goose Joanne Ladd Passes Away

Flint has lost a part of iconic history. Mother Goose, who was a fixture in the Flint area for decades, has passed away. During the 80s and 90s, she brought smiles to kids of all ages with her storytelling and touched thousands.

Lovingly portrayed by Joanne Ladd, Mother Goose brought the nursery rhyme to life entertaining children throughout Genesee County, and was almost always seen in character. Ladd passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 88 on Friday, August 19th, according to her son David Ladd.

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According to her son, Mother Goose spent almost 40 years as a Story Hour teacher for Flint Children's Community Services of the Flint Public Library. Countless local children would listen with wide eyes as Mother Goose, along with her constant prop goose companion Gooseberry, recited nursery rhymes and classic children's stories.

A native of Flint, growing up on Church Street and graduating from Flint Central High School, Mother Goose also did quite a bit of volunteer work with the Genesee Co. Parks. Most of that time was with Crossroads Village according to her son. She was the artist that painted all of the wooden street signs and store signs when Crossroads Village first opened its gates way back in 1976.

David Ladd told us that arrangements are currently being made with Swartz Funeral Home. Joanne Ladd leaves behind sons David & Carl along with 3 wonderful grandchildren.

David Ladd told us he plans on donating his mother's prop goose “Gooseberry” to the Burton Memorial Library.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Mother Goose. You will be missed.

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