Emma Leigh Goodwin

Born in Rocky Mount, NC in June of 1922 to the late Nell and Alva Sherwood Lambeth, “Em” (as she was called by her friends), grew up in Lakeland, FL, where she was valedictorian of her high school. She then went to Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University), and graduated in 1943. After college she had several different jobs including with RCA records and Encyclopedia Britannica. She married Paul N. Goodwin on August 18th, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland. A few years later, Em and Paul lived in Britain for three years while Paul did his PhD in medical physics.

During 40 years living in Nyack, NY, Em was on the Board of the Rockland County Girl Scouts and on the Board of the Episcopal Church Women of the County, twice president of the Garden Club of Nyack, and Environmental Chair for District X of the Garden Club of New York. In addition she sang with the Grace Church choir for many years. She received her Master’s degree in 1989 from Long Island University in International Organization in the area of foods, specifically sprouts. For several years she ran her own small business distributing sprouting supplies to health food stores. While in Nyack, Em and Paul also loved sailing on the Tappan Zee.

In 2005, she and Paul moved to Shell Point retirement community in Fort Myers, FL. There, activities Em enjoyed included the pool, watching the osprey nest viewable from their window, and attending lectures. She was also active with the Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ church and she volunteered for hospice. They regularly spent summers at their condo in the Adirondack Mountains of NY.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Paul N. Goodwin. She is also survived by her daughter Margaret Wilkinson (Anthony) of Rexford, NY, her son Thomas (Linda) of Denver, CO, and grandchildren Tristan Wilkinson of Rochester, NY, Neal (Jacqueline), of Nashville, TN, Corey Aretakis (Alexander) of Denver, CO, Kelly Goodwin also of Denver, CO, and step granddaughter Megan Wilkinson of Cocoa, FL.

Em was a “bookworm”. She loved to read and do crossword puzzles; she also loved to travel, garden, swim, and do yoga.

A celebration of her life will be held at Grace Church in Nyack, NY, on Sunday September 4th.

In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be given to one of the following (please mention “In Honor of Em Goodwin”):

* Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957. In support of a native plant propagation facility; or

* Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ: 8210 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919