Catherine Meranda Goodwin

Catherine (Kay) Meranda Goodwin, 103, of Austin passed away May 31, 2022. She was born on August 18, 1918 in Jackson Center, Ohio, to Walter Cleveland and Caroline Metz Meranda. She graduated from Ohio State University, where she met Warren Goodwin. They were married in 1940 and enjoyed 58 years together until his death in 1998.

Kay would tell you that the secret to a long, happy life is to stay busy, and busy she was. She and Warren raised three children while his work took him from Ohio to Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and finally to Texas in 1965. Wherever she lived she fit herself in by participating in various organizations. Kay was a member and past president of the Austin branch of the American Association of University Women. She served on the Austin YWCA Board of Directors for several years. She was a charter member of the Austin Stitchery Guild and enjoyed sewing and all forms of needlework throughout her life. She was one of the people who envisioned Austin’s Lifetime Learning Institute, serving on its board and teaching numerous needlework classes. She initiated the action that created what is now Literacy Austin and served on its Board of Directors for many years. Kay was a member of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and was a former Regent of Austin's Balcones Chapter. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth Century and was honored with the title “A Dame That Makes a Difference.” As a member of P.E.O. she promoted education and leadership roles for women. She played the violin with the Silver Strings well into her 90s. She was a member of University United Methodist Church since 1969. On the occasion of her 100th birthday, Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed her a Yellow Rose of Texas in recognition of her many civic contributions to the State of Texas.

Kay is survived by her children, Bobbie Goodwin of Atlanta, Georgia, David Goodwin and his wife Barbara Weirich of Boulder, Colorado, and Carol Fullerton and her husband Bruce of Austin. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Justin Goodwin of Corpus Christi, Page Parker and her husband Joe of Austin, and Whitney Rice and her husband Trevor, also of Austin. Her great-grandson, Silas Goodwin of Corpus Christi also survives her.

Kay’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Westminster for the care and attention that they gave her during the twenty-two years that she lived there.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9th at 2 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) in care of University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas 78712, or to the charity of your choice.