Joan Francis White Goodenough

Joan Francis White Goodenough

October 2, 1934 - June 29, 2025

After a beautiful life of love, kindness and grace, Joan Francis White Goodenough passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025.

Joan was born on October 2, 1934, in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, to the late James Felix White and Florence Marie Johnston. She was the devoted wife of the late Colonel Fred W. Goodenough. As an army wife, Joan traveled extensively across the globe with Fred, their three daughters, and their beloved dog, always creating a warm and loving home regardless of their location. She instilled in her girls a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse cultures they encountered. After Fred's assignment to the Pentagon in 1978, the family settled in Warrenton, Virginia.

Joan cherished time spent with her beloved husband, daughters, family, and friends. She found immense joy in her career as a teacher, both in Germany and the United States, often speaking of the happiness children brought to her life. Joan was a dedicated member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she taught at the school. She was also a Daughter of the National Society of the American Revolution and a member of the Colonial Dames VII Century.

Her passions included reading, family genealogy, quilting, and spending precious moments with her four grandchildren. She also wrote poetry and always said she enjoyed being a lifelong learner.

She is survived by her three cherished daughters: Jeannine Goodenough Cummings (husband Ronald Cummings), Jannelle Goodenough Murray (husband Dr. Vincent J. Murray), and Kathleen Goodenough Geneva (the late Dr. Edward Geneva, husband).

Her loving grandchildren are Margaret Catherine Murray, Caroline Murray Yahnis (husband Christopher James Yahnis), Alexander White Geneva, and Scarlett Gray Geneva, and great-grandson, James Christopher Yahnis.

Joan was preceded in death by her dear husband, Colonel Fred W. Goodenough. She is also survived by her sister, Jeanneane Benfer, and her husband, Colonel Richard Benfer, along with several delightful nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church, 12762 Lee Highway, Washington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mary's Garden at St. Peter's Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.moserfuneralhome.com