Andrea Jo Goodson

Andrea Goodson

Andrea Jo Goodson (Andy to her father), 74, of Punta Gorda FL passed away on May 10, 2012 at the Peace River Medical Center in Port Charlotte, FL. She was born on January 7, 1938 in Champaign IL to Walter and Margret Chaplin. Andrea had two sisters, Sharon Rohn and Julie Brady. Andrea completed her secondary education in Champaign IL and graduated from Champaign High School in 1956. She later received an Associate degree in nursing from Brookdale College in NJ in 1983.Andrea was married on July 6, 1957 in Champaign IL to William (Bill) Eugene Goodson. She joined him in Norfolk VA and they lived in naval housing until his discharge in October of 1958. Following a stay of a few months in Champaign IL, Andrea and Bill moved to Los Angeles CA where they stayed until 1965. During their time in LA, she worked as a secretary helping Bill to finish college. Andrea worked until shortly before the birth of their first child, Russell, in 1961. In 1965 the Goodson family moved to NJ to take advantage of working and educational opportunities for her husband. The family lived in North Plainfield NJ for a year where her second child, David, was born in 1965. After moving to Middletown NJ her third child was born, Jennifer, in 1966. In 1968 the Goodson family bought their first home in Freehold NJ. In many ways, the time in Freehold was Andrea’s golden years. It was there that she lived in a house that she loved. Her natural friendliness and outgoing personality attracted many friends, most of whom remained close through out her life. The time in Freehold was interrupted for nearly three years when the family moved to Tehran, Iran to take advantage of an employment opportunity for Bill, but mostly for an adventure. Andrea adjusted to a different form of life there, where just to make a meal frequently required many shopping stops at street vendors and small specialized shops (i.e. egg stores). She not only adjusted, but thrived on the challenges. As usual she made many life long friends. Upon the return to her beloved home in Freehold the nest empting process begun. In advance of retirement, Andrea and Bill purchased a condominium in Punta Gorda FL. After “snow birding” for a few years, Andrea and Bill retired full time to Florida in 2002. This was another great period in Andrea’s life. Again she made friends effortlessly and made a wonderful social life for herself and Bill. Even when her health became limiting, she continued to enjoy life, dining with friends, and as her condo faces a marina, watching the Manatees.Andrea’s life can be summed up by paraphrasing Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way”.She did it her way.Andrea is survived by her husband, William Eugene Goodson; her children Russell William Goodson, David William Goodson and Jennifer Susan Tabbit; her sisters Sharon Rohn and Julie Brady; her grandchildren James Goodson, Mark Goodson, Julia Tabbit, Michal Tabbit and Samuel Tabbit. She is predeceased by her father and mother, Walter and Margaret Chaplin. Andrea has been cremated, which is as per her request and there will be no viewing. A family memorial service will be held at her daughter’s home in Charlotte NC on May 19, 2012. A memorial service is tentatively planned to take place in Florida, but no specific plans have been made.A memorial fund has bee created through the American Heart/American Stroke Association, which may be used in lieu of flowers. To make a donation online, go to the following:www.heart.orgClick on "DONATE" (upper right) and fill in the donationClick on "Make a memorial gift" and put in "Andrea Goodson" and requested information.The site will send an email containing the information to her husband.To send a donation by mail:Make all checks payable to: American Heart/American Stroke AssociationMail to: William Goodson3020 Matecumbe Key Road, Apt. 601Punta Gorda, FL 33955.