Elizabeth Goodwin

Elizabeth Ingeborg Swensk "Libby" Goodwin, 89, of Bethesda, Maryland, and lately of Somerford Place, Frederick, died Sunday, December 18, of cardiac arrest. She had been a resident of the Washington Metropolitan Area for more than 50 years.

Born May 10, 1916, in New Britain, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Rudolph W. and Elizabeth Bengtson Swensk. Known as a prominent Washington-area hostess, she was active in a number of Scandinavian organizations, including the Vasa Society. She also was a member of Concord -- St. Andrews United Methodist Church since 1959, where she was active in Martha's Circle.

Mrs. Goodwin was married to the late author and Government official, Harold Leland Goodwin, for 42 years. As a Foreign Service wife, she traveled with her husband to postings in the Far East. She was active in marine education and was a member of the National Marine Education Association. She also co-authored the book The Indian River -- An American Lagoon, with her late husband in 1976. Prior to her marriage, she worked in cancer research with the late Dr. Paul Rosahn.

She is survived by her sons and their wives, Dr. and Mrs. R. Christopher Goodwin of Comus, Md., and Mr. and Mrs. Derek V. Goodwin of Scottsdale, Ariz. In addition, she is survived by her loving companion of sixteen years, Dr. Robert Van Hoek, of Arlington, Virginia; and by her two grandchildren, Kristina and Scott of Comus, Md. She was preceded in death by her brother, William O. Swensk.

Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be buried with her late husband. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, Western Maryland Regional Office, 108 Byte Drive, Suite 103, Frederick, MD 21702. Arrangements are being handled by Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, Frederick.