(East Brunswick, NJ) – Alice Louise “Becky” Goodwin died peacefully
at age 86 in East Brunswick, NJ on April 11, 2008. Becky lived on the
Island for nearly 60 years, first on Wallace Drive and later on the West
River, moving to New Jersey just three years ago to be near her youngest
daughter, Tricia.Becky moved to Grand Island in 1946 with her husband,
Bill; soon after they both completed service in WWII. She and Bill were
actively involved in the community, especially the Centennial Celebration
in 1952. She began to teach 3rd grade at Kaegebein Elementary School in
1956, switched to first grade several years later, and continued in that
position until her retirement in June 1984. A born teacher, she also
taught swimming to children and life saving to adults on the weekends,
first at Sandy Beach and later at the high school. She was proudest of
teaching so many of the Island’s children to read and to swim, and of
her family. The Buffalo Bills became Becky’s greatest passion in her
retirement. She never missed a home game and traveled to each of the
team’s Super Bowl appearances. She was also an active member of the
Monday Quarterback Club. In addition to cheering on the Bills, Becky
traveled extensively during the years following her retirement. Trips to
China, Australia and Germany were among the highlights. Becky was also an
active member of the local chapters of Alpha Phi and PEO. She loved
hosting PEOs from other parts of the country, serving as a “bed and
breakfast” and showing off Niagara Falls. She was a member of Trinity
Church. Her “green thumb” was developed as a founding member of the
Sandy Beach Garden Club.In addition to teaching, Becky volunteered for the
Red Cross for more than 30 years and was awarded a Special Citation for
Exceptional Volunteer Service in 1996. She was also a volunteer for the
American Cancer Society on Daffodil Days, and for the Grand
Island Historical Society at Riverlea.Her grandchildren remember a devoted
teacher who loved to tell them about the family heritage, take them to all
the sites at Niagara Falls and swim with the dolphins at the Aquarium. Her
children remember a loving mother who was also a warm and consistent
disciplinarian, always giving all that she could for them and expecting
only their best effort in return. Friends remember a strong-willed,
committed and independent woman who contributed greatly to her community.
Becky is survived by her three children, Thasia Woodworth (Warren), a
physician and pharmaceutical executive currently living in England; W.
Jarrard Goodwin, Jr. (Sharon), a surgeon and director of the Sylvester
Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, FL and Tricia LaDuca (Frank),
Director of Community Relations and Programs for the East Brunswick (NJ)
Public Schools; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The family
is planning a Memorial Service at Trinity Church, Grand Island in June. In
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Red Cross,
Greater Buffalo Chapter, 786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209.
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