DIANE GOODWIN

1934-2017

Diane Doelling Goodwin, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2017 at her home in Houston. She was born on September 28, 1934 to Hazel Biehl Doelling and Errol Louis Doelling in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and aunt.

She was a Delta Delta Gamma from Washington University in St. Louis where she formed lifelong friendships. She remained active in DG projects throughout her life.

Moving to Houston in the late 60s, Diane quickly immersed herself in various organizations. She became a member of Tanglewood Garden Club, a docent for Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, a member of First Presbyterian Church where she volunteered weekly in Operation ID and participated in numerous church forums and groups.

Diane was an enthusiastic volunteer at St. John’s School where her three children attended grade school through high school. Countless hours were spent working the book fair, organizing events, watching sporting matches. She never missed one of her children’s games or meets or activities. Driving to Oklahoma for a basketball tournament or to Dallas for a football game or spending a long, chilly day cheering from the bleachers at a track meet were things that Diane relished. As grandchildren came, she made every possible effort to see a swim meet, a basketball or soccer game, a choir performance, a dance recital, a spelling bee. She didn’t want to miss a thing.

As her children grew up, Diane went back to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology; she became a Licensed Professional Counselor. As an LPC, she continued to study, learn, and read…often claiming that she would love to go to school forever. She was a monstrous sports fan—from professional tennis to college and professional football, basketball, and baseball. She always knew who was in the playoffs, and she watched every point. She was not shy about playfully shouting at the TV when she saw a good play or was unhappy with a ref ’s call.

Diane loved her many, many friends. They buoyed her through life’s difficult times, and she tried to be there for them. And they had fun, as evidenced by countless trips to Wimberley, outings, lunches, dinners, penny poker games, tennis, bridge, and travel.

For decades, she and her group played doubles tennis at least twice a week at The Houston Racquet Club. These women were her closest friends…much laughter and love was shared both on and off the court. She played bridge with various groups through the years and would diligently study her bridge strategy books.

She is survived by son Jonathan Goodwin of Burton; daughter Gay Wickham and husband Matt, their children Will, Kate, and Anna Grace; son Greg Goodwin’s widow Lissa and their children Guy and Ellie; nieces Amanda Goodwin Reed and Lindsay Goodwin McBurnett; brother-in-law Roger Goodwin and wife Diana; and many other cherished nieces and nephews.

Services to be held at First Presbyterian Church of Houston, 5300 Main Street 77004 on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 11 o’clock in the morning.