MARION - Linda J. (Harding) Goodwin passed away on March 2, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hartford, CT on October 26, 1948 to Anita & Lester Harding. She graduated from Canton High School in Canton, CT. Majoring in accounting at Bryant College she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in 3 years. While there, she met Gordon L. Goodwin, and the two were married on July 5, 1969 at the Church of Saint Ann in Avon, CT when on leave. This began their lifelong partnership. In 1990 she earned her Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management with honors from Bryant College while working full time and raising her family.

As one of the very few women studying accounting, she was a unique asset in the business world after graduation. Most recently she was the Chief Compliance Officer/Civil Rights Coordinator for Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice of Portsmouth, RI. Holding this role during the Covid pandemic highlighted her skills of organization, teamwork, inclusion and positivity. Prior to that she held various roles with Sippican Ocean Systems, Marion VNA, Southcoast Home Care, and Hospice Services of Massachusetts. From a small part time position handling the books at Marion VNA, her career flourished into a niche, navigating the ever-changing health care regulations. Linda gave a voice to an often overlooked population.

Strength & positivity lasted her lifetime even in the face of many challenges that were thrown her way. As a former parishioner of St Rita’s Church in Marion her faith helped carry her through the challenging times. Linda was a caretaker. After raising her family of 3 children she welcomed her nephews, all the while lovingly caring for her ailing and aging relatives. No one word describes Linda and she was not one to toot her own horn. She would roll her sleeves up and get done whatever needed doing. If that meant feeding the football team, sailors, or whomever showed up at the Brink. Her door was always open with a pot of coffee on and a bed available.

Linda was the 2nd female Commodore of the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, MA in 2004 and 2005 after serving on the council for over a decade. Applying her life skills, she brought people together, found common ground, created a balanced budget and stuck to it. She never lost sight of the junior sailing program, knowing those youngsters would be stepping up to carry the torch at BYC in no time.

Linda found joy in waking up at the crack of dawn surrounded by her grandchildren and husband watching the sunrise. She was up for any adventure from canoeing in Maine, white water rafting, bungee jumping, cruising, roller coasters, zip lines, trekking through national parks, snorkeling, racing sailboats, and traveling abroad. She also had a knack for making the everyday events feel like great adventures.

Linda’s ears were always open. She was a sounding board for friends, co-workers, and family. She was available with an open heart and open mind. She listened, asked thoughtful questions, and provided non-judgemental, sound advice and encouragement. You always left her company feeling better than when you arrived.

Predeceased by Anita J. (Cote) Harding, Lester W. Harding, Warren J. Harding, Leslie A. (Harding) Bullock. Survivors include her husband of 53 years Gordon L. Goodwin, Daughter Wendy J. Goodwin, son Daniel G. Goodwin and wife Heather L.S. Goodwin, Daughter Andrea L. Van Inwegen and husband Jason A. Van Inwegen, cherished grandchildren Joshua, Jack, Grace, Phoebe & Giovanna, and nephews Roland, Shane & Ryan Bullock.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 5 – 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Church, 94 High St., Wareham at 11 AM. Please go directly to church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation https://themmrf.org/ or donating whole blood or platelets to the Red Cross.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com