Obituary of Phyllis Jean Goodwin

Phyllis Jean Goodwin (Soderquist) was escorted to heaven by her heavenly Father on the evening of December 12, 2010. She was born to Irving and Mary Elizabeth Goodwin on January 18, 1923 at the family home in Hoquim, WA. Phyllis was the third of seven children. She was proceeded in death by her parents , Sisters; Muriel Pelletier (Burien), Lois Hazel Huether (Lacey) ,brother Harold (Bud) Goodwin of Morgantown, W.V., nephew Harold Jr. (Hal) Goodwin of Morgantown, W.V., & the Downie babies & Dean baby. Phyllis is survived by her only child Kathie Soderquist Nunes (Bruce), grandchildren; Michael Nunes, Kimberly Nunes, Christina Nunes Downie (Joseph), & Kaitlyn Nunes Dean (Duane). Phyllis loved her great grandchildren; Christian and Xavier Dean. Additionally she is survived by her sisters Eileen Malaney of Chula Vista, Calif, Armyn Deering (Arden) of Lacey, WA, brother; Jim Goodwin (Bernice) of Lacey, WA., and many nieces & nephews. Phyllis aspired to become a school teacher. Grandpa Goodwin told mom they would save pennies for her to attend college. She graduated from Central Washington State College with her teaching degree. It was something she was proud of. She majored in history but loved to teach math. She taught in several districts. Her last teaching position was as Math Department Chairman at Woodbrook Middle School, in Lakewood, WA. Phyllis retired from teaching in June, 1975. Phyllis loved her home in Lakewood. She purchased the house as a divorced female teacher and single mother in 1960.That was momentous because single female teachers did not purchase homes back then. She loved to travel. She especially enjoyed Europe, and seeing the United States. Her favorite times were with family at Ocean Shores and her sibling lunches. She loved her family & she loved Jesus Christ with her heart & soul. She taught herself to play the organ. She enjoyed being a part of the special group (Room 101)at Life Manor raising money for various groups of people. In recent years Phyllis encountered several illnesses that eventually took her from us. She is delighted to dance in heaven! We are happy for mom, yet we greatly miss her. “Mom I love you very much. I am honored to have been your daughter”- Kathie. We wish to thank all of those at Manor Care of Tacoma for taking such wonderful care of mom. On mom’s last day on earth we were overwhelmed by your kindness and love towards her. You all work hard to provide quality care for those who reside in Manor Care. Thank you again. We wish to Thank Franciscan Hospice for the compassionate care given to mom and our family during her remaining time on earth. We deeply appreciate all that was done for mom. She passed away peacefully on her last day of life. Words cannot express the gratitude to both Franciscan Hospice & Manor Care of Tacoma. Our family also wishes to thank Irene for watching over mom and for loving us. Irene we love you very much. To know that you held her hand during the night was of great comfort to us. A memorial service for Phyllis will be held on January 22, 2011 at Manor Care of Tacoma at 1:00pm, complete with ice cream party. Everyone who knew mom understood her love for ice cream! We ask for donations to be made to Franciscan Hospice in memory of Phyllis Goodwin. Donations can be made to Franciscan Hospice at 2901 Bridgeport Way W. University Place, WA 98466.