We mourn the loss of Maryann Griffin Goodwin who passed away surrounded by the love of her family on June 17, 2008. She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Gary D. Goodwin, daughter Dale Ann Jenkins, son-in-law Donald Jenkins, grandsons Aaron Heckaman and Timothy Jenkins of Highlands Ranch, CO, and daughter Judith M. Goodwin and her partner Sarah Galvin of San Leandro, CA.

Maryann was born and raised in Trinidad, Colorado, the oldest daughter of John Homer and Mary Rayner Griffin. Her family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Maryann graduated from North High School in 1948. She was courted by Gary while she attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. A graduate of both Cottey College and Kansas University, Maryann was proud to be both a "Cottey Girl" and a "Jayhawker." Maryann and Gary married while in college on August 5, 1950. Maryann often spoke fondly of college life as a young married couple. After college Maryann taught school briefly before starting her family with the birth of Dale Ann and three years later Judith.

Maryann and her family moved to Lompoc to follow Gary's work in the space industry in 1964. She was active in AAUW, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, and was founding president of P.E.O. Chapter SQ in Lompoc. Maryann worked tirelessly in support of the many projects AAUW and P.E.O. sponsored. She enjoyed many years as a greeter at Sunday morning services for St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Maryann returned to full time teaching in 1974 at Crestview Elementary School. She taught second grade for 20 years.

Maryann also volunteered with the Democratic Party in various campaigns over the years. She was "converted" to a democrat after her father-in-law arranged for her to meet a charismatic young politician by the name of John F. Kennedy in 1960. Her daughters fondly remember returning from school on more than one occasion to find their mother, who was still in her robe, had spent much of the day dedicated to the activities of the organizations to which she belonged or campaigns in which she was involved.

Following a rewarding career as a classroom teacher, Maryann fulfilled a dream when she was elected to the Lompoc Unified School District Board of Education in 1996. She served with dedication and brought an educator's perspective to the challenging task presented in the role of Board Member. Maryann diligently studied the information presented to the Board and always asked insightful questions of the staff, the Superintendent, and her fellow board members. She valued her opportunity to serve and felt an obligation to the community that put its trust in her.

Maryann was committed to her family. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her daughters and found endless joy in the company of her grandsons. She loved to entertain friends and visit with perfect strangers. With her engaging curiosity, a stranger was just a friend she had not yet met. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Maryann Goodwin to: Institutional Advancement, Cottey College General Scholarship Fund, 1000 West Austin, Nevada, MO 64772 or the Lompoc Unified School District, Community Education Foundation, P.O. Box 8000, Lompoc, CA 93438. A celebration of Maryann's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2008, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lompoc.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.