Donna Joan Goodwin was born on March 30, 1947 to Bonnie and Donald Jacoby. Born and raised in Chico, she later moved with her family to Fresno. It was then that she met her husband Rodney at Hoover High School. It was love at first sight and they were soon married on April 3, 1965. Shortly after they welcomed their daughters Kim and Leslie and built a beautiful life together.
Donna took great pride in being a housewife and supporting her husband Rodney with his life-long career at PG&E. She cared deeply for her family and friends, and nobody was considered a stranger. She enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners where all were welcome. She spent many hours tending to her garden, and her backyard was full of blooming roses and a lively Koi Pond. She had a soft spot for animals and her beloved dog Charlie will miss her.
After her husband Rodney retired, they found joy in traveling. She traveled across Europe and the United States but her favorite place to be was home surrounded by family. She loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother more than anything in the world. Her grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy.
Towards the end of her life, Donna fought a hard battle against cancer, pneumonia and COPD. Her joy for life and free spirit kept her pushing through the pain. Despite numerous hospital stays, she was able to spend the past two weeks in the comfort of her home surrounded by her closest family and friends. Her family grieves her loss, but takes comfort knowing that Donna and Rodney, just two high-school sweethearts forever in love, are reunited again.
She is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Bonnie Jacoby, her brother Dennis Jacoby, her husband Rodney Goodwin, and her son-in-laws Jim Mattos and Kevin Niederfrank. As well as many other family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Kim Niederfrank (Gene Harper) and Leslie Mattos. Her grandchildren: Kayla Irigoyen (Tanner Irigoyen), Kyle Niederfrank (Jenn Hannickel; Paityn, Carlee & Baby Stetson due 2025) McKenna Mattos (Randy Wallace), Jared Mattos, and two great-grandchildren: Julia & Brooks Irigoyen
“If flowers grow in heaven Lord, then pick a bunch for me then place them in my mother's arms and tell her they're from me. Tell her that I love and miss her and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile.”
A visitation for Donna will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A recitation of the holy rosary will occur Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
A mass of christian burial will occur Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730. A committal service will occur Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Clovis Cemetery District, 305 N Villa Ave, Clovis, CA 93612.
