Ruach Ha'Aretz 2008 Children's Programs

REMEMBERING HELENE GOODWIN

Helene Goodwin, of Berkeley, California passed away after a short illness, on January 18, 2008 at her home. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.

Born in 1928, in Chicago, Ill, she was the youngest child of Albert and Sarah Fishman. She started her undergraduate studies in Chicago before venturing west to attend the University of California, Berkeley, for both her degrees in sociology.

While at Cal, she met James Goodwin, on the debate team. They married shortly thereafter, in the Unitarian Universalist Church. They were the first inter-racial married couple in the city of Berkeley. Her marriage produced two wonderful children, a son David and a daughter Leah.

She was an educator/teacher in her soul. Whether educating thousands of students, during her twenty plus years teaching at Merritt Community College in Oakland, and as a teacher at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship; teaching was her gift and her legacy.

Helene retired from teaching and became a full-time volunteer usher and art advocate. She ushered for many theatres in Berkeley and San Francisco. She served on the Women and Religion task force for the Unitarian Universalists and was a delegate to the United Women's Conference in Africa. A self proclaimed adventurer, she traveled to Africa, China, Greece, Europe, Canada and throughout the United States. Helene's life has been a celebration of sprit, social justice, the arts and of women's issues.

She is survived by her brother Lenny Fishman, Wilmette, Ill; her son, David Goodwin, San Mateo, CA; daughter, Leah Goodwin, San Diego, CA; four grandchildren Adrianna Farmer, Vista, CA; Azaleah Barrios, San Diego, CA; Midori Greenwood-Goodwin, Pasadena, CA; and Amaal Greenwood-Goodwin, San Mateo, CA. Two great-grandsons, Christopher Farmer and Thomas Ashmore, also survive her. She was the beloved friend of many.

(Text from Aquarian Minyan newsletter; Photo courtesy of Lea Delson)

Ruach Ha'Aretz
7077 Harvest Road
Boulder, CO 80301
415.339.8677
info@ruachhaaretz.com
Ruach Ha'Aretz is a Project of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal