Muriel B. Goodman Obituary (1928

Phelps, New York Muriel Goodman, age 96, passed away on January 11, 2025, at Geneva General Hospital. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial mass on Thursday, January 23 at 10 am at St. Francis Church in Phelps. Father Gary Tyman will be the officiant. Burial will be held in Sodus Cemetery at a later date. It is requested that donations be made to Puppy Mill Rescue Team, 113 Delaina Rose Circle, Brockport, NY 14420. (www.puppymillrescueteam@gmail.com) Muriel was born on May 1, 1928 in Phelps, NY, the daughter of the late Claire and Elsie Mitchell Bennett. She was a lifelong resident of Phelps, attending the one-room Humphrey School District #11 for her elementary education. Muriel married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Goodman, in 1947. At that time they acquired the former Humphrey School which had been converted into a residence. She and her husband Jerry lived in it from the day of their marriage until Muriel's passing. Muriel worked at the NYS Experimental Station "Seed Lab" for 4 years. She then took time to be a stay-at-home mom for her 3 children, During this time she took on other roles, including as a dog census taker for the Town of Phelps. She was active in both local and district PTA, serving as President of the local branch for one year. Muriel fulfilled her dream in 1972 when she graduated from the Marion S. Whelan School of Nursing and passed her board exam to become an LPN. She worked on all floors of Geneva General Hospital, as well as at Taylor Brown Hospital until her retirement in 2008 at the age of 80. Muriel was known as "the nurse who wore white" by many patients who received care from her. Swimming was an important part of Muriel's life. In 1960 she joined the Geneva YMCA and remained a weekly swimmer until she was almost 90. As a member of the "Y", she was a lifeguard and also taught swim lessons to numerous children, including her own. Muriel enjoyed many activities, including flying with her husband in their Cessna and hosting family Christmas Eve for over six decades. Ice skating, reading, and doing puzzles were some of the additional activities she enjoyed. Muriel is survived by her daughter Jacqueline Darrow of Phelps, son Michael (Carol) Goodman of Stanley, and daughter-in-law Cynthia Goodman of Phelps, grandchildren Judd (Kristin), Bart, Emily (Jai and Jai's children Jaida and Jonah), Matthew (Kerrie), Laura (Nick), Jessica (Nate), John (Jennifer), and Russell (Sara), special ex-son-in-law Rick Darrow (Deb), as well as special ex-granddaughter-in-law Allyssa Curtis (Dave). Muriel is also survived by her great-grandchildren Bennett, Asher, William, Grace, Daniel, Adeline, Jovie, and "bonus" great-grandchild Emmy. A new great-grandchild will join the family in May. Muriel was predeceased by her husband Jerry, beloved son William, brother Henry, sisters Eleanor and Bernice, as well as her dear cats Baby and Max.