Who is Goldie from the book, Joy in the Morning?

After moving to the town of Loping, Annie seeks to befriend everyone with whom she comes into regular contact. Most of all, she seeks the friendship of the woman who works at the grocery store. Several people in town avoid the woman because she lives with a man to whom she is not married. The couple has one child, and when Annie meets them, another child is on the way.

Goldie offers Annie much advice, especially during Annie's pregnancy. Once the friendship is established, Goldie also proves generous in offering Annie bones for Jello, the dog. Annie also offers assistance to Goldie, babysitting for her toddler son after the birth of Goldie's daughter.