Phyllis Rose Goodman

Phyllis Rose Goodman passed away on December 19, 2021 at the age of 88. She was born on April 18th, 1933 in Decorah, Iowa to Rosella & Walter Bakken and orphaned by the age of 9, later to be adopted by her maternal Aunt Ruby & husband Harry Olson.

She moved to Los Angeles as a young adult with her friend Sylvia Garret. There, she met and married James Goodman who was bartending at his father’s place, Jimmie’s Atlantic Club, while on break from Loyola University. Since then, James “Jimmie” Jr., made a successful career in the U.S. Navy and she traveled the world with her husband of 58 years before his passing in 2015. The military sent the family to stations in California, Georgia, Taiwan, Virginia, Utah, Hawaii and Ohio until they settled in Sun Lakes, Arizona.

Phyllis “Fifi” as she was known by some and Jimmie loved to entertain and they were great at it! The consummate host & hostess and she was also a fabulous decorator. Their home was not only welcoming but beautifully decorated with Asian decor that rivaled any showroom.

Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother; dedicated to her family and a trusted friend. She is survived by her 3 children, James Goodman III (wife Minda), Jeffrey Goodman (wife Bridget), Lorena Goodman Spence (husband Paul) Spence and 2 grandsons, Jesse & Brian Spence, and her sister Wanda Lawther of Marshalltown, Iowa.

She had many family and friends close to her, who were involved in her later life. It’s hard to mention everyone but her nieces Beth Sheldon (who lives nearby in Tempe, Arizona) and Tammy Holder (who lives in California) would frequently visit. Sister-in laws, Ladonna Bakken and cousin-in law, Mike Wymore would occasionally visit but always stayed connected by phone, as did her longtime friend Paula Gardner.

Phyllis had a couple caregivers, other than family; Minda, Lorena, Tammy & Beth, who should also be mentioned, who took great care of her in her last years. Thank you to Marilyn “Lyn” Sebastian (her live-in CNA for over a year) and Lyn’s sister Maria Victoria “Marivic” Serrano (for 8 months).

(Rest in Peace My Mommy)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the Goodman family.