Kendra Goodwin

Kendra Goodwin, 52, of Willow died peacefully Sept., 8, 2007, in the presence of her beloved family at her daughter's home in Wasilla.

Goodwin was born in Michigan, but was raised in Alaska, mainly in Willow. She had had various residences around the Mat-Su Valley through most of her adult life. After spending several years in Florida, she lived in Chicago, when she learned six weeks ago she had cancer.

Goodwin’s only wish before she died was to come home and be with family. She warmed the hearts of her family those six weeks with her smiles, hugs and laughter.

Goodwin is survived by daughter Gina Beech; son Joseph (Aimee) Beech; grandchildren Tyler, Cory, Allison, Mallory and Carly; mother Elizabeth Georgia McGriff; sisters Raelene Getts, Julie Fulton and Robin Tresham; nieces and nephews Kelley McDonald, Misty VanderWeele, Kim Yadon, Kenneth Smith, Boone Tanner, Shane Voelk, Shannon Casey, Roland Tresham, Reed Tresham, Casey Tresham, Autumn Tweety; and 16 great-nieces and nephews, most of whom live in the Mat-Su Valley. Goodwin was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Getts of Willow, and sister Teresa Voelk.

Goodwin was known for her always-on-the-go, independent nature. She loved dancing, auto racing, writing and traveling.

A celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. Sept. 15 at Robin and Roland Tresham's home on Willow Creek. Call 907-354-7712 for directions. Send flowers to 19835 West Gina Circle, Willow, AK 99688.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.