Mary Laughlin Robinson Goss (Mariel)

Mary Laughlin Robinson Goss (Mariel), a woman of strong faith and character, passed peacefully from this world on March 25 surrounded by her family. Born in Sewickley, PA to Mary and William Robinson Jr, she attended St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson, MD and studied at Briarcliff College in New York.

She met her husband, Porter Goss, on Fishers Island, NY and they were married in 1962. They began their lives together in McLean, VA and then moved to London where they lived for a number of years with their four children, two dogs, and a cat.

Mariel and Porter moved to Sanibel, FL with their young family in 1970. The first of her many contributions to Sanibel arose when the roads became too dangerous for children to ride bicycles, she rallied her friends and worked tirelessly to raise support for a bike path. Her determination led to the construction of a shared use path that is known worldwide for its beauty, is enjoyed by thousands each year, and helps define the Sanibel community.

With an artist’s eye for beauty, after raising her children on Sanibel and splitting time in Washington, DC, she fulfilled her vision of creating an organic farm and raising her beloved sheep and hens. An avid gardener, with a remarkable talent for creating a comfortable home, she tended Retreat Farm in Rapidan, VA as a place of respite that provided her family and friends many happy memories. A wonderful cook, she was known for her shepherd’s pie, sea grape jelly, and the delicious raspberry pepper jam she sold in her farm market.

Although Porter was the public figure in their marriage, Mariel worked behind the scenes as a pillar of support to her family and friends always guided by her strong moral compass.

Her caring and generous spirit were most evident to her family in times of sickness when she was quick to step up, take charge, and offer prayer, vitamins (lots of vitamins), bandages, or chicken soup.

Mariel was a woman of unwavering faith who was instrumental in planting and growing churches and in helping spread God’s Word. Always a champion of the underdog, her quiet philanthropy made a meaningful impact on the communities in which she lived. She served on many boards and loved organizations that encouraged, educated, and lifted people as well as those that stewarded and protected the natural environment. She was feted in 2021 by the Pace Center for Girls in Fort Myers, an organization for which she had tremendous regard, as a “Grand Dame,” and although not fancy, the sobriquet fit her well.

Mariel is survived by her sister Elise Browne (Pierce), Porter, her husband of nearly 62 years, her daughter Leslie (Sam Gruner), and her sons Chauncey (Allison), Mason (Janie), and Gerrit (Tessa). She has thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who know her lovingly as ‘Ganny.”

Mariel drew great joy from her family and while Porter was the true love of her life, her two Golden Doodles, Rhubarb and Milou were not far behind.

A celebration of life service will be held in Orange, VA this spring with an interment on Fishers Island at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Mariel would be delighted to know you contributed to your favorite charity while thinking of her.