Barbara Ann Goodman, RN (née Straw) died peacefully after a short illness in Owasso, Oklahoma on October 1st, 2016 at the age of 80. She was surrounded by loving friends and she inspired them until her last breath and beyond. If you are taking the time to read this, Barbara would thank you and ask you to “Touch each shoulder - That’s a hug from me.” 

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kelli Goodman, and by her five grandchildren; Matthew Weker, Jeremiah Rice, Isabella Capiro, Andres Capiro, and Thomas Dietrich. Barbara is also survived by her cousin, Sydney Miller of Dallas, TX, who helped her move from Florida to Oklahoma for the last 6 months of her life, and by her son in law, Alex Capiro, who helped her with her affairs.

She leaves behind many more loving family members and friends. Other dear ones include two she considered sisters, Barbara Johnson and Jane Lyons. Barbara and Tom often referred to neighbors and long-time friends, Revs. Barbara and Phil Johnson, as their “pastors”. Also included is the Johnsons’ grandson, Cooper Phillips, considered a grandson by Barbara, and Jane’s daughter, Heidi, a longtime friend and a helper during her last month of life. She leaves behind many more beloved family members and friends scattered all over the country.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of, as Barbara would say, “56 years, 2 months, and 1 week”, Dr. Thomas Allen Goodman, 12/28/31-2/21/13. She is also preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Jennifer Goodman Dietrich, MD, and by her middle daughter, Katherine Goodman Capiro, RN.  Those who love her like to think of the four of them together in Heaven; happy, healthy, and sending blessings to all those they love, with special Angel kisses for Kelli and the grandkids.

Barbara Ann Straw was born on 7/12/36 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Viva and James Straw. She graduated from High School in 1954 and began college. She married Tom Goodman, her college sweetheart, completed nursing school, helped him through his Psychiatry Residency, and completed 27 moves over his career. Tom’s career included working as a psychiatrist in the Air Force, getting a law degree, becoming an accomplished painter, and a long and stoic battle with cancer. Tom exhibited a great compassion and love for people throughout his life. He understated his accomplishments, loved to learn, and adored his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Their marriage was exceptionally happy and close and they enjoyed 56 years together before Tom passed away in 2013 after a 23-year battle with cancer. Tom used to say that one of the secrets to a happy marriage is “learning to fuss with each other well”.  That meant never saying anything mean that you can’t take back, and working things out quickly so no grudges are kept. 

Barbara worked as a nurse in a large orthopedic unit, in an adolescent psychiatric unit, and in many other capacities. Barbara and Tom had three brilliant and amazing daughters, Kelli, Kathy, and Jenny.  Their surviving daughter, Kelli, remembers her Mom as a hard working mother who taught her children to think for themselves, and who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Kelli said,                                                                                                                                                                                                                          "She had faith in me and in all of us. She held true to family until the end with love and kindness.”

Barbara encouraged everyone she knew to overcome adversity and accomplish their goals, and she prayed for each of them during her daily devotions. She was funny and fiery, and could elicit a belly laugh from almost anyone. She was generous and passionate about making the world a better place, doing countless thoughtful and often anonymous things for those she cared for or with whom she came in contact. She believed wealth was a tool for good and supported many charities, including the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children in Owasso and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

An interment of Barbara’s and Tom’s ashes is scheduled for 10:30 AM on May 7th, 2017 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They will be laid to rest beside their two beloved daughters who preceded them in death. Barbara’s dear friend, Reverend Barbara Johnson, will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barbara’s life. Afterward, everyone is invited to join the family for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and share stories of Barbara and Tom.

Condolences can be sent to Kelli Goodman, 1133 Portland Place, Apt. 218, Boulder, CO  80304.

As Barbara often said, “It’ll be OK, Darlin!” Then she would send you off with “An Angel on each shoulder”.