Suzanne P (Sicre) Goodwin

Suzanne Paule Goodwin, 93, passed away on October 14th, 2023 in Wichita, Kansas.  She was born on April 19th, 1930 in Oran, Algeria to Pierre and Anna Sicre. Suzanne’s family lineage is that of royalty, many of whom were killed during the Spanish Inquisition but those who could escape found refuge in Oran. Suzanne was among the last generation to realize her family’s royal lineage and wealth as the German invasion resulted in the theft of most of the familial wealth and land. Her Grandfather owned miles of land and blocks of buildings in Oran. Suzanne was there to witness the German Army invasion of North Africa during WWII. There were soldiers in front of her home and school. In spite of the German occupation, Suzanne and her father Pierre were national pigeon racing champions.  Suzanne had a very close relationship with her youngest sister Anne-Marie, assisting in her birth and rearing. Their relationship remained a close one for Suzanne’s entire life. As a young woman Suzanne decided she wanted a career of her own, so she attended a design school where she learned to become a seamstress, and eventually Suzanne became the head seamstress at a local design studio. As war escalated in Western Europe and Africa, allied troops arrived.  Then a dress customer introduced Suzanne with a Navy Meteorology Instructor, Gerald “Jerry” Goodwin who was stationed at Port Lyautey, Morocco.  Suzanne did not speak English and Jerry did not speak French, but they fell madly in love and were married on December 23, 1950. Together they had three children, Cliff, Paul and Betty. As a young military wife, Suzanne transferred base to base for many years and during that time self-taught to speak, read/write English. They finally settled in Olathe, Kansas where Jerry retired from the Navy. Jerry continued his career as a NOAA Meteorologist working from 1961-1972 in Goodland, Kansas and 1972-1980 in Wichita, Kansas. Then Jerry and Suzanne retired to Ventura, California where she was the life of the party. They moved into a five-star retirement community called The Patrician. She became a widow within 4 years.  As the youngest of the residents, she took care of her friends, driving and shopping for them.  Ventura was her second love in life, right after Jerry. She had a great life there and made special memories for her children when they would visit, many of which included sightseeing. Suzanne was the glue that held her family across the world together, she was a great communicator sending 100s of letters, birthday and Christmas cards each year. Her increasing health issues led Suzanne to move back to Wichita in 2021 where she spent time with her children and grandchildren.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.        

Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents, Pierre and Anna Sicre; husband, Gerald Goodwin; sister, Josette Egli; brothers, Maurice Sicre and Denis Sicre. 

She is survived by sons, Clifford (Terry) Goodwin, Paul (Cindy) Goodwin; daughter, Betty (Dennis) Twigg; grandchildren, David (Judy) Goodwin, Jody (Ty) MacCormack, Daniel (Natalie) Goodwin, Matthew (Jessi) Goodwin, Michelle (George) Sponsel, Andrew (Cait) Goodwin, Natalie (Rob) Palmer and Amanda Twigg (Marcus Clark); 15 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sister, Anne-Marie Bobst; nephews, Sol Bobst, Sacha Bobst and Bryan Egli.  

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at St. Francis of Assisi 861 N. Socora in Wichita, Kansas on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10 AM with A Funeral Mass to follow starting at 10:30 AM.      

Memorial contributions may be given to Paralyzed Veterans of America at https://secure.pva.org

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