Barbara Ann Goodridge

Barbara Ann Goodridge

February 1, 1937 – February 28, 2020

On February 28, 2020, Barbara, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at the age of 83.

Barbara was born and raised in the Bronx, NY on February 1, 1937 to parents, Joseph Vincent and Evelyn Roxbury. She was their third child, along with older brother George (Mickey), older sister Virginia (Pigeon) and younger sister Patricia (Patsy). As a child she loved to run, play basketball, and roller skate.  She was a mathematician at heart. She often shared stories of her time at her beloved grade school, St. Joseph’s Elementary in the Bronx.  Barbara learned at a young age to sacrifice for others as at the age of nine, she went to live with and care for her blind Grandmother, Anna Byrnes. Her life of service to others would not end there, however.

On May 26, 1956 Barbara married the love of her life, Jerome. W. Goodridge, who preceded her in death July 13, 1994.  Together, they started on a US Naval adventure that would take her from one coast to another, growing their family along the way. Barbara was a devoted wife and mother first foremost.  She cherished her children and embraced every moment with them.  As a mother of six, (Jerry, Steven, Jim, Cliff, Mickey and Nancy) Barbara was always on the go. Driving to and from school, baseball, football, ice skating practices…putting the needs and desires of her family, her children, always above her own.

She often spoke of her “boys” and boasted proudly of their accomplishments and kindness.  Most of all, she loved being a Grandma.  As a Grandmother of 18, (Michael C, Jennifer, Stephanie, Tiffany, Sebastian, Jacob, Sean, Tommy, Jonathan, Michael G, Kevan, Matthew, Liam, Devlin, Andrew, James, Cassidy and Anna) and Great-Grandmother of 4, (Aaron, Jamie, Cory and Kinley) she took great joy in watching each grandchild reach for their dreams; whether it was a baseball game, a dance recital, grandparents day at school, a birthday celebration, graduation or so much more, Grandma was always around to share her love and show her support. 

As her only daughter, I was blessed to live with her until the day she entered Eternal Life.  To try and summarize the beautiful life she led is so difficult, but I believe most would agree she was very generous with her time, talents and treasure.  Known simply to most, as “mom,” Barbara loved to care and support her family and friends alike. She was always the first to help, offer advice or simply share a warm and loving embrace.  She made friends easily and everywhere she went.  She was truly devoted to our Catholic faith, reciting the Rosary daily in an offering, always for her children. She was selfless, caring for her mother-in-law, May Goodridge, for many years, even after her husband passed.  She enjoyed animals and although she claimed she no longer wanted “pets” …she was always the first to offer food to any strays that crossed her path. She was a patriot, a proud Navy wife and Air Force mom, who loved to spend time shopping on base at the commissary and exchanges.  She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, crafting, painting, crocheting, reading, dancing, laughing…she was always active, never just sitting idle. Most of all, she loved to chat and share stories with everyone.  She was gentle, kind-hearted, dependable and loving.  To say it was an honor and a privilege to be a child of this beautiful woman would be an absolute understatement.  Thank you, mom, for your grace, your wisdom and your love…for greatly blessing all who knew you.

Family and friends are invited to attend:

Viewing/Rosary/Reception: Sunday, June 28, 2020 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Evans-Brown Mortuary,

Roman Catholic Funeral Mass: Monday June 29, 2020 @ 10 a.m.
St. Frances of Rome, 21591 Lemon St, Wildomar, CA 92595

Interment: June 29, 2020 @ 1:00 p.m.

Riverside National Cemetery,

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