Obituary of Berta Goodman

We are sad to announce that Berta Jean Goodman passed away on March 20, 2017. Berta was born in Denver to William and Faye Cohen on November 20th, 1930. She was the sister of the late Celeste Bettin and Mike Cohen. She grew up in the communities of both the West Side of Denver and “The Home,” the Denver Sheltering Home for Jewish Children, where Will was the superintendent for a number of years. Lifelong friendships developed at The Home and in the broader community of the West Side. A remarkable and cherished group of women and friends have remained devoted to one another for more than 80 years. In 1949 Berta married Ralph Goodman and their love and adoration for each other extended more than sixty years until Ralph’s death in 2013. Berta was extremely grateful not only for Ralph but for marrying into such a unique and loving family. Berta’s profession was taking care of the family. Son Murray was born in 1952 and daughter Debbie in 1955. Berta was a devoted and loving mother. Berta and Ralph’s home was a major family gathering place for holidays and celebrations for many years. This brought tremendous pleasure to them both. The arrival of grandchildren became a constant source of joy for them. Saul and Ari; Anna, Aaron and Avi loved their times together with Bubbie and Zayde. Berta and Ralph loved their grandchildren dearly and were so proud of each and all of their accomplishments and of the abundance of “mensclichkeit” in all the grandchildren--something that they learned from Bubbie and Zayde’s example. Berta leaves behind many loving and caring friends and family members, including children Murray Goodman and Debbie Goodman; grandchildren Saul and Ari Schwartz and Anna, Aaron and Avi Goodman. In addition the extended Goodman family remained deeply significant in Berta’s life and provided indispensable care and support until Berta’s very last days: Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bobbie and Ed Towbin, Sister-in-law Phyllis Goodman and brother-in-law Neal Goodman of blessed memory; and the families of Risa and Hal Aqua, Mike and Mia Towbin, Rob and Samantha Baumgarten, Susan and Mark Anderson, and Michael Goodman and Emily Roet. The example of Berta’s loving devotion to her family and her kindness will provide inspiration and admiration for all those who knew and loved her. May her memory forever be a blessing. Memorial Service: 1:00 pm Friday, March 24, 2017 Feldman Chapel, 1673 York Street, Denver Internment at Mount Nebo Memorial Park 11701 E. 13th Avenue, Aurora Shivah will be observed at the home of Bobbie and Ed Towbin, 275 S. Jersey Street, on Friday after the burial until 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. with service at 6:30 p.m. Donations to 'Bnai Havurah or JCC Denver.