Jennifer Monday Goldman

With deep sorrow, love and admiration we mourn the passing of an adoring mother, respected attorney and engaged community volunteer, Jennifer Leigh Monday Goldman on January 6, 2024, in Austin, Texas. She suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall and never recovered consciousness.

Jenn was a beautiful bright light, walked with extraordinary kindness and an open heart, insisted on justice, and worked daily to make the world a better place through her encouragement of others.

Jenn was born on December 7, 1973 and grew up and thrived in Huntsville, Texas, surrounded by a supportive and nurturing community where she excelled as a high-achieving student, popular leader and devoted friend. She earned a full scholarship to attend The University of Texas at Austin as both a Dedman and Texas Excellence Scholar, graduating with honors twice in Plan II and Law. Throughout her years at UT, she was an active student leader and beloved by many, serving as Panhellenic President, representing Alpha Chi Omega, Texas Exes Student Association Co-Chair helping to develop Camp Texas, and UT Ambassador, earning many distinctions including recognition as The 1995 University of Texas Outstanding Woman student, membership in the Orange Jackets, and Abbot of the honorary Friar Society.

Jenn practiced law at Vinson & Elkins in D.C. and Austin, paused to mother full-time, transitioned to a career in financial planning and estate law, and most recently served UT Law and Texas Development as Director of Gift and Estate Planning in work that perfectly blended her legal expertise, devotion to UT and engaging people skills.

Jenn advocated in the Austin community for children and healthcare with board and fundraising volunteer work for Seton, Dell Children’s, West Austin Youth Association and Helping Hand Home for Children. She actively mentored law students to help ease their rigorous first year. Jenn excelled in building nurturing communities, completed marathons, and thrived as an indoor cycling instructor where she loved inspiring clients in their pursuit of physical and mental strength.

Jenn’s greatest joy in life was as a mother to her three children, Anne Elizabeth (Annie), Caroline Jane (Caroline) and Charles Jacob (Charlie). She embraced their unique gifts and talents, celebrated their growth and independence, modeled hands-on service alongside them as a family value, and assisted in their practice of Jewish faith while continuing in her faith. She is also survived by her parents Dr. Charles and Jane Monday; sister Dr. Kim Monday and Dr. Lauren Marangell and their children Jack and Ellie; sister Julie and Buddie Ballard and their children Sarah, Ben and Sam; former husband Adam Goldman; and adoring aunts, an uncle, and cousins and their families.

Jenn was known for thoughtfulness in friendship, fierce loyalty, first-in-class hospitality, creative and carefully planned parties and trips, and a playful spirit. Her bright blue eyes, smile and laughter inspired daily.

Jennifer’s memorial service will take place at Tarrytown United Methodist Church on Thursday, January 11 at 2:30 pm, with a reception to follow at the Texas Exes Etter-Harbin Alumni Center and a private family graveside service in Huntsville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Jennifer Monday Goldman Memorial Scholarship fund established to support excellence and access for Texas Law Scholars, a goal near and dear to Jenn’s heart and professional work. Online gifts may be made at https://utlsf.org/give/goldman/ or by check mailed to: University of Texas Law School Foundation, c/o Jennifer Monday Goldman Memorial Scholarship, 727 E. Dean Keeton, Austin, TX 78705.

Jenn packed a lot of life in 50 years. We will miss her terribly and ask you to honor her memory and carry her legacy by reflecting her best through your acts of kindness and justice, pursuit of joy, and investment in your health and happiness.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Jennifer in our lives. Amen.