Photo courtesy of Byles Memorial Home - New London
New London, Connecticut
Nov 21, 1927 – Mar 24, 2020 (Age 92)
Martha Bell Goldman (Muffy) 92, died at her home in Ledyard, CT on Tuesday, March 24th. with her son by her side.
She was predeceased by her brother Frederick Pabst Goodrich, Jr., sister-in-law Shirley Godwin Goodrich, and by her first husband, James Roan. She is survived by her son Patrick Roan and his partner Kim E. Wallace, grandsons, Josh and Jamie Roan, former husband Harold Goldman, as well as nephew Toby Goodrich, his wife, Linda, son Buddy Goodrich and his wife, Olivia, and daughter Carey Goodrich, niece, Anne Goodrich Twichell, nephew Peter Goodrich, his wife Marne, daughter, Laney Goodrich, nephews Carter Goodrich, and Ted Goodrich, his wife Samantha, daughter Allie Goodrich, and sons Coby Goodrich and Jack Goodrich.
Muffy was born in Evanston, IL, November 21, 1927, spent her early childhood in Paris, France and later in Daytona Beach, Fla. As a young woman she was a dancer, taught dance in NYC and acted on stage at The Little Theater in Daytona and summer stock in Tamworth, New Hampshire. She attended Connecticut College, finished her bachelor's degree at U. of Maryland, and received her master's degree from Catholic University. She worked in Washington, DC counseling veterans, and later as a hospice counselor in Southeastern Connecticut. She started private practice as a psychiatric social worker which she kept up until retiring at the age of 90.
Muffy had an instant charisma that drew people to her. Her enthusiasm, wit, wisdom and humor never dimmed throughout her entire life. She had a wide knowledge of jazz, played the keyboard at home, and loved all good music. She loved the human species with all its faults and contradictions. She enjoyed great cooking, gardening, art, nature, literature, all animals, but, above all, the exploration of ideas. She would find out everything about you while revealing little about herself, not from professional habit, but because her spirit was generous and her interest was real. She loved to put on a pot of coffee and talk and laugh in the kitchen while her pugs and the cat milled around, and the birds crowded the feeders outside.
She never shrank from pain or difficulties, and even after back surgery left her bent and in pain, her buoyancy made it seem slight. She was never old.
There will be a small family gathering in the fall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road., P.O. Box 567, Kanab, UT, 84741-0567 or Safe Futures, 16 Jay Street, New London, CT. 06320.
Read MoreMuffy meant the world to me. She changed my life by bringing out my strengths and confidence I never knew I had. I think of her so often and wish for another visit. R.I.P. You are missed but definitely not forgotten.
Joan Wilson
March 27, 2025 | Old Saybrook, CT | Friend
Where to start? Muffy was my aunt during her marriage to my uncle Harold Goldman and remained so for years afterward, until we fell out of touch. She let us children play bridesmaids when she married in our parents' living room, and we always begged to visit them because she was warm and funny and beautiful of course and had the most droll basset hound at the time. My maternal grandmother Lotte Lee was a difficult mother-in-law for Harold's younger brother who married out of the faith, but...
Patricia Borns
February 22, 2025 | Fort Myers, FL | Family
From the moment Ms Goldman walked into our vet practice with her little pug, Annie, we bonded. Even after Annie passed we kept in touch. We were all so happy when she brought Willy to us for care. We would always hug before we got down to business. The entire staff was so sad when we were told of her passing. She truly did light up the room and we always enjoyed seeing her. We are so happy that we still get to see Willy but we miss Ms. Goldman very much. She was a special lady.
Dianne Beal
April 18, 2020 | North Stonington, CT | Acquaintance
Muffy was not only a dear long-term friend, but a mentor and very influential person in my life. I worked with her in a couple of different places and we shared many experiences. Also I belonged to the wonderful book group which took place at her house, for more than 30 years. Her indominable spirit, generosity, wisdom and humor enriched all of us in that group beyond measure. We will miss her sorely, and never forget her!
Marlies Parent
April 02, 2020 | North Stonington, CT | Friend
Muffy was a dear friend, a co-worker and one who helped me through some very hard times. She was a precious soul who listened and did not need to be heard. She will be sorely missed. Patrick, you were truly blessed to have had her as your Mom. My prayers to all !
Joanne Fusaro
March 30, 2020 | Norwich, CT | Coworker
My condolences to Martha's family. She was wonderful and was a great help to me over a period of years. I enjoyed bringing my dog with me and he sat in my lap while her pug (and then later, pugs) sat in hers or on the divan. She will be missed by many.
Suzanne Cattanach
March 30, 2020 | Waterford, CT
I was lucky enough to move onto Rose Hill Road after I got married in 1987 and Muffy was my neighbor for ten wonderful years. I was a newly-married, 27 year old, pretty insecure girl from basically a dysfunctional family (to make a long story short). Muffy lived just to the south of me a couple hundred yards down a hill in this ancient looking, quaint adorable cottage. All around her she created this peaceful harmony vibe. She always had the coolest stuff just lying around inside and...
Cynthia Brewster
March 30, 2020 | Hoosick Falls, NY | Neighbor
Patrick, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear mother. We often had wonderful chats and she will be missed by all of us who knew her. She was a very loving and caring person.
Love, peace, and blessings to you and to your family of whom she spoke so highly. God bless you all!
Most sincerely, Millie Devine
Mildred Devine
March 30, 2020 | Quaker Hill, CT | Friend
I worked with Muffie for many years at Hospice of SECT. She was a mentor, friend, and very spirtual human being. I learned about caring , communicating and Being to others from her. I will never forget her and who she was. I thought about her last week, and felt I needed to call her. I see why she was in my thoughts and now, she is in my prayers and in my memories of a wonderful caring, loving,and giving human being. She will always BE with me. Cele Frank
March 29, 2020
