Joan Goodwin

Joan Goodwin, a beloved sister, cherished aunt, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023, at The Villages at Oak Ridge in Washington, IN. She was born on March 9, 1943, in Vincennes, IN, the daughter of James & Margaret (Prichard) Goodwin, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Roscoe Goodwin. Joan leaves behind her sister & brother-in-law, Sandy & Bob Bryans, along with her nieces & nephews, Dawn & Larry Biggs, Diann & Brian Nolte, Jennifer Goodwin & James Cherry, Joshua Goodwin, and Jim & Meridith Bryans. She is also survived by five great-nieces & great-nephews and several special cousins.

By the time she graduated from Palestine High School in 1961, Joan had realized that she was called to the nursing field, so she enrolled in the nursing program at Vincennes University. She took her newfound knowledge to Paducah, KY, where she began what would become a long and rewarding career as a nurse. Over the years, she cared for patients from Paducah, KY to Champaign, IL to Oakland, CA, and all the way back home to Vincennes, and spent much of her time caring for mothers and newborns in Labor and Delivery.

She eventually moved to West Lafayette, IN, to pursue a bachelor's degree at Purdue University. Her time here sparked her undying allegiance to the Boilermakers, to the point that she was made an Honorary Member of the Purdue Reamer Club, an organization dedicated to observing the traditions of Purdue, supporting Boilermaker sports, and developing school spirit. Joan transitioned into industrial nursing at Central Lab in West Lafayette, IN, and concluded her illustrious career at Eli Lilly, where she retired in January 2001 after 22 years of dedicated service.

Beyond her professional life, Joan was known for her generosity and love for life. She enjoyed traveling and took her nieces and nephews on their first trips to Europe. She was fond of surprising them with gifts and new experiences, creating unforgettable memories that they will cherish forever. It wasn't just her family that benefitted from this caring woman's generosity and support, as she filled a need in her community by loaning family heirlooms to help fill The Farm at Prophetstown, a restored catalog house from the 1920s. She was also active in many volunteer groups, such as cuddling babies in the NICU and shopping for area Angel Trees and Clothe-A-Child programs. Her skill in the kitchen led her to make meals for the local police department. Her mouth-watering culinary specialties were staples of every holiday season.

Joan Goodwin was a woman of many interests, but her sense of humor and loyal friendship made her a joy to be around. If she counted you as a friend, Joan would go out of her way to help in any way she could. She was the epitome of kindness and generosity, making an impact as large as the infamously oversized "Joan" cookies she'd make on cookie days at the nursing home!

In the words of legendary Purdue quarterback Drew Brees, "You can always be a little bit better." What are we if not better because Joan Goodwin lived? As we look ahead, may we never forget to also look back, recognizing that her memory will continue to mold us into better people; people who will continue to carry on her legacy of generosity and love for years to come.

It was Joan's wish to be cremated without public services. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of these arrangements. In her memory, donations may be made to the "American Diabetes Association" or to the "American Heart Association".