Jannet Barbara Goldman

Jannet B. Goldman (Swartz), also lovingly known by her Hebrew name Shana Basha (Shanie), of Lexington passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at the age of 87.

Jannet was born on August 23, 1937, in Winthrop to Morris and Annie (Levine) Schwartz. She was the youngest of four children, following three older brothers in Julian (Yuddie), Irving (Shlamie), and Merrill (Mayer). Jannet’s mother passed away when she was just 4 years old. Her father later remarried Margaret Shuman in 1947, and Jannet gained a sister and lifelong best friend, Janice (Shuman) Goldstein.

Jannet attended Winthrop High School and it was there she met her future husband, Herbert “Herb” Allan Goldman, at 14 years old. High school sweethearts, they were married on August 16, 1959, and they celebrated their 65th anniversary last summer. Together, they raised three children: Brenda, Robert, and Mark.

Jannet began her married life in Winthrop, where the family lived in a three-family home filled with extended family across all three floors. In addition to raising her three young children, she was the President of the local chapter of the Organization for Rehabilitation Through Training (ORT). This Jewish organization promoted education and vocational skills to those in need. Her leadership was a reflection of her philanthropic and kind nature.

In 1969, the family moved to Lexington, where Jannet continued to pour her heart into raising her children and being an active part of the community. She volunteered at Fiske Elementary School, famously running the penny candy booth at the annual Fiske Fair. Even after her own children had grown and left the Lexington public school system, she worked part-time across the elementary schools as a classroom aide.

Jannet was also involved as a member at Temple Isaiah in Lexington. She participated in the Temple Sisterhood, managing the memorial plaques honoring the memories of Isaiah community members.

As her children became parents, Jannet took on a new role: Bubbe. Yiddish for grandmother, she was devoted to her six grandchildren. Living locally in Woburn, Jannet’s two eldest grandchildren often spent time at her house where she always had ice cream in the freezer. Her four youngest grandchildren lived in Florida, but her love was felt across the distance as she and Herb made trips to visit as often as they could, always with a tub of “Bubbe Cookies.”

As the family matriarch, she was known for making traditional Jewish and family recipes, which she compiled into a cookbook and gifted to her children. She called it “Recipes From the Heart” and it included both her famous Matzo Ball soup and homemade apple sauce. These recipes continue to be made by her children and grandchildren today.

At 72 years old, Jannet was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) but her sharp sense of humor and fierce love for her family never faded. She faced challenges with grace and laughter—and a tendency for breaking into song. She also found great comfort in the companionship of her beloved dogs—first Lucy, then Henry. As her Dementia progressed, her devoted husband stepped into the caregiver role. She could often be heard saying, “Thank you, Papa, for helping me.”

She and Herb were also longtime members of Indian Ridge Country Club, where they enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends, often playing in foursomes. They also enjoyed traveling and visiting with loved ones near and far.

Jannet is survived by her loving husband, Herbert Goldman of Lexington; her children, Brenda Martin and her husband Paul of Woburn, Robert Goldman and his wife Carolyn of Nashua, NH, and Mark Goldman and wife Lisa of Lexington; her grandchildren, Jillian, Jared, Matthew and his wife Peggy, Michael and his fiancée Brooke, Jeffrey and his girlfriend Hannah, and Ashley; her sister Janice Goldstein and her husband Sumner; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, June 26 at 1 pm at Temple Isaiah in Lexington, MA followed by a burial at Westview Cemetery. Following the burial, the family will observe the traditional shiva and callers are invited to visit the family home on Friday, June 27, from 3 pm to 6 pm and on Saturday, June 28, from 6 pm to 9 pm.

For those that cannot attend physically, please join us via livestream: https://templeisaiahlexington.livecontrol.tv/c45c1f1b

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jannet’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.