Mildred S. Goodman, 98, a resident of Pompey since 1995, passed away on Feb. 11, 2023. She was born in Brooklyn on April 22, 1924, the only child of a Swedish immigrant and Maine downeaster. She graduated from Huntington High School, and had a long career as a well-respected draftsman. Her adult family life included pet goats, chickens, camping and many hours on the north shore beaches and waters of Long Island Sound. She was predeceased by her husband of over 40 years, William Goodman.
In every non-numerical way, Mildred died young. At an early age, she discovered a passion for reading and, as her eyes failed, a passion for audio books. She designed and built “Abacus American,” a unique tool to help children understand numerical bases. An avid cyclist and walker, well into her late 80s, she led hiking trips for grandchildren who admit they struggled to keep up. Her first computer was a Commodore 64 and her love of computers never diminished. She started yoga at age 90, and still mowed with her lawn tractor through her trails and around her pond at age 98.
Even as her body started to succumb to time, her mind and memory were always sharp. She embodied mind over matter when it came to illness. Her home was full of programmed electronics that would challenge even the tech savviest of millennials. Her iPad was full of logic puzzles, her Audible account packed with non-fiction books, her chainsaw and golfcart on standby for spring trimming. No one dared talk to her about limitations for the elderly.
To know Mildred was to be inspired, even energized, by her innately persistent, unforgiving curiosity to grow and explore. She could not fathom the notion of “boredom,” as there was so much to learn and experience. Committee meetings on CSPAN blasted through her home constantly. Her objective appreciation and embrace of life and its ails were commendable and her accomplishments, curiosity and tenacity will continue to inspire those who knew her.
She is survived by her son, Greg Goodman (Mary); daughter, Gale Warren (Steve); seven grandchildren, Matt, Ryan, Max, Chrysann, Cordell, Clayton, Matthew and four great-grandchildren, Hunter, Reece, Siennavie (Millie) and Riley.
At her request, there will be no services. A small gathering of neighbors, relatives and friends will be organized on April 22, 2023, under her pine grove to celebrate her life, impact, and memory.
