Goldona L. Insley

Goldona Louise Insley departed this life on July 9, 2026 after just reaching the milestone of her 94th birthday two weeks before. Goldona, affectionately known as Golda, leaves a vacuum in the lives of those who loved her.

Golda was born to the late Lucille Pauline Newcomb of Golden Hill, Maryland on June 22, 1932. Somewhere around the age of 10, a boy walked into Golda’s classroom on the first day of school and was so taken with her, that he comically threw his hat at the wall behind him, while never looking away from the sight of Golda. His hat landed with ease on the wall hook, as if on queue. J. W. O’Neil Insley married Golda on February 4, 1950. They made a home in Andrews, Maryland with their young daughter and son before settling in Cambridge, Maryland, buying the home that Golda would eventually come to pass away in so many decades later.

Golda worked in factories in both Andrews, MD and Cambridge, MD before deciding to focus on childcare. This was a natural choice, as Golda had been helping raise children her entire life. Golda also worked on the water for multiple years, crabbing with her son-in-law, Phil.

Home is where Golda felt the most joy. She took tremendous pride in it, which was often filled with neighborhood children. At one time, “The Insleys” held large parties with Golda catering to upward of 40 or 50 people. Later, the gathering of her children and grandchildren was all Golda needed. Each holiday and birthday, being a cause for coming together at the Insley home.

In more recent years, she looked forward to going out to lunch with her grandson, Andrew, every weekend. Andrew introduced her to foods she otherwise would have never tried and in the process she found her new favorite restaurant. As her health deteriorated, weekend lunches turned into dinner together at home several nights a week right up to the day that she was no longer able to. Golda’s mind was sharp until the end. She loved having company, especially family to spend time with and talk to. She was trusted for her wise advice, even at 93.

She never forgot a birthday and she loved to play Tetris.

Golda was kindhearted and genuine. She was a loyal and loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and friend. There was never a woe too small that she didn’t have time to hear, especially in regard to her family, whom she would do and give anything for.

Golda was a proud member of two churches in Dorchester County. Riverside Wesleyan Church in Fishing Creek, MD is where she attended services the last 10 or 15 years when able. It pained her when she was not physically well enough to attend services. Golda’s family church from childhood was St John’s United Methodist Church in Golden Hill, MD.

Golda is survived by her son, J. W. O’Neil Insley, Jr and his wife Kimberly of Cambridge, who lived with and cared for her over the last year with the help of Coastal Hospice over the last month. Golda was like a second mother to both her son-in-law, Phillip G. Todd, Sr. of Cambridge, MD and her brother-in-law, Dal Insley of Andrews, MD.

Grandchildren, Sunday Kaye Kaminski (Mark), and Andrew Insley Todd; great-grandchildren Olivia M. Henry, James A Greenlee, Jr., and Jayce Biggs. Other special people in her life include Louise Prahl, who would spend hours talking with Golda on the phone, Sandy Foxwell and Gene Biggs. Golda also has other extended family and friends that meant so much to her.

Golda was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille P. Newcomb, her loving husband of 66 years, J. W. Oneil Insley, Sr. and a daughter, Gale I. Todd.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning 2:00 p.m., at St. John’s Methodist Church at Golden Hill, 3242 Kirwans Neck Road, Church Creek, MD 21622 with Pastor Chuck Hudson officiating.