Merilyn Goodwin
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Merilyn Goodwin passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, June 3, 2022 in Cathedral City, CA. She was 98 years old. The oldest of four children, Merilyn was born on May 7, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Clarence George and Ruth Mary Strong Cartwright. She was married to her sweetheart, Jerry, on July 15, 1944 in Long Beach, CA. They were married for 68 years at the time of Jerry's passing in 2012.
An avid sports fan, Merilyn enjoyed playing golf and tennis. She and Jerry attended thousands of Angels games. They were supporters of Cal State University Fullerton's athletic programs as well as the theatre and performing arts programs where they set up the Merilyn and Jerry Goodwin Musical Theatre Scholarship.
Merilyn had a soft place in her heart for children and animals, especially dogs and birds. She had many talents, and as a youth, Merilyn learned how to make delicious pie crust. She also loved to sew and do needlework. She made dozens of needlepoint Christmas stockings for her family. She also made knit caps for her family and donated hundreds more for humanitarian aid.
Merilyn and Jerry's love of travel took them to more than 70 countries on six continents including a safari in Africa and riding an elephant and camel in India.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Merilyn served in many callings with the children, youth and women's organizations of the Church.
Even as dementia was taking its toll on her, Merilyn still had a quick sense of humor. She also still remembered how much she loved chocolate.
Merilyn is survived by son, David Goodwin (Gail); daughter, Nanette Zastrow (Drew); 18 grandchildren; and 54 great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, Merilyn was preceded in death by daughter, Sandra Louise Goodwin; son, Ronald Jerry Goodwin; great-granddaughters; Sydney Goodwin and Scout Goodwin; her parents; brothers, Gerald Allen Cartwright, Blaine Donald Cartwright and John David Cartwright.
Special thanks to the many caregivers who helped take care of our mom for the last five years of her life on earth.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Forest Lawn - Cathedral City.