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Gail Goodwin Obituary
Goodwin, 64, passed away on May 22, 2014. Gail was born in Dallas to Sara and David Braden in July, 1949. Raised in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, she graduated as salutatorian from Sunset High School in 1967. Gail received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. While in college, Gail met the love of her life, Clif Goodwin. They married in June, 1970.
Gail was a writer and made her career in publishing and communications. She recently retired from the communications department at M.D. Anderson after 14 years. She was the editor of Our Kids Houston and Houston Family magazines for more than 10 years. Gail served her community as a committed volunteer with many organizations, including the Junior League of Houston, the Houston Alumni Club of Pi Beta Phi, the Center for Hearing and Speech, the Periwinkle Foundation, the March of Dimes Walk America, Parents for Public Schools Houston, and the parent-teacher organizations of West U. Elementary, Pershing Middle School, and Bellaire High School.
Gail valued family and friendship above all else. She was a loving and involved wife and mother, the hub of the family wheel. She was also a devoted daughter and sister. Gail knew no strangers and was a cherished friend to many. Gail loved singing, crispy food, the State Fair of Texas, Colorado summers, and spoiling her grandchildren.
Gail is survived by her husband of 44 years, Clif Goodwin; her daughter Sara Kate Jancaitis and son-in-law Ryan; her son Brian Goodwin and daughter-in-law Tiffany; her son Braden Goodwin and daughter-in-law Maren; and her grandchildren Eloise and Andrew Jancaitis and Nathan Goodwin. She is also survived by her parents David and Sara Braden; her sisters Kimberly (Joseph) Chumlea and Shannon Braden; her mother-in-law Blanche Goodwin; her sister-in-law Mary Ann (Randy) Brock; and many relatives and caring friends. She is preceded in death by her father-in-law Clifton Goodwin, Sr. and her grandparents. Gail is missed dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014, at 2 pm, at First Presbyterian Houston, 5300 Main St., with a celebration of Gail's life to follow from 4 to 7 pm at the Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital (www.mdanderson.org/gifts).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gail Goodwin
Sponsored by the family of the little general.
Jody Seay
May 23, 2025
I don't think there's a day that passes when I don't think of Gail. She was a good friend and absolutely wild about her family and family of friends. She was a good person dedicated to doing GOOD in the world. She is greatly missed.
Stacy Flach
June 11, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gail was such a spirited person whom I enjoyed sharing memories of the State Fair and comparing stories of the little people in our lives. I greatly enjoyed getting to know her and caring for her. Even though she was my patient, I also considered her a friend and mentor. I will miss you, Gail!
Marisa (Minor) Nowitz
June 10, 2014
Sara Kate, Brian, Braden and Clif,
After knowing Gail as "Sara Kate's mom" in high school, I had the pleasure of working with her in more recent years at MDA. She will be missed by so many. Thinking of you all during this time.
Dr. & Mrs. David Braden
June 10, 2014
Our deepest synpathy to all of your family.
Jane and Dr. David Braden, Houston, TX.
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Fran Zandstra
June 9, 2014
Deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of working and learning from Gail in developing our cancer survivorship programs. Gail's enthusiasm, quick wit, and "can do" attitude were among just the few qualities that I admired. She is truly missed.
Kent Woodard
June 8, 2014
Cliff
Our heart felt condolences to you and your family. Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Very, very best.
Kent & Katherine Woodard
Maxsane Mitchell
June 6, 2014
She was a very nice woman and really cared about the children and patients she served at MD Anderson. Pleasant every time I talked to her. I am thinking of her family.
deSha Norwood
June 5, 2014
A wonderful, witty lady. So well liked and respected.
Collins Crowe
June 4, 2014
I am so sorry to read about this. Gail and Cliff were the house parents at the LXA fraternity house at SMU in the early 70s when I was a member. She was always so fun and sweet, even when having to deal with a 140 fraternity men who weren't exactly keen on hygeiene and other civilized basics. Our prayers to all the family.
Don Shepperd
June 4, 2014
Gail was my second cousin. She, her sisters and her parents, David and Sara, were an important part of my family conversations since I can remember. The loss of a cousin is sad. The loss of a child, sister or spouse is devastating. The only comfort we can all feel at such a time is our belief that God has a good one and we will laugh together again.
Patsy Welch-Roberts
June 3, 2014
Hi Family! Gail was my BEST friend starting in the 7th grade through early marriage. I could not enumerate the memories we shared...everything! I thought that I was part of the Braden family. I even got to go camping with them a few times. We had slumber parties, dances, boyfriends that were best friends, double dates, lived across the street from each other after we both married...and, that's on top of Rosemont, Greiner, Bluebirds, Camp Fire girls, etc., etc., etc. We were totally "joined at the hip". We lost touch later on, but I can never forget her or her sweet family. You were a model to me of what a family was. Love you all. I know that Gail will be missed greatly, but her sweet smile, wit and love for others will live on. Wish I could be at the service, but I can't. I would love to be with you all. My thoughts and prayers. Patsy McCauley Welch Roberts!!!
LaVonne & Gordon Rea
June 1, 2014
The Rea family sends our love and prayers
to the Braden and Goodwin families. Gail will be missed by all. It was our wonderful pleasure to see the Braden girls grow up.
LaVonne & Gordon Rea
June 1, 2014
The Rea family sends our love and prayers of comfort to the Braden and Goodwin families. We enjoyed watching the Braden girls grow up.
Gail will be missed by all.
Sally McGregor
June 1, 2014
David, Sara, and family - I am so sorry. I wish I had the words . . . I wasn't fortunate enough to know Gail, but I know her parents well, and know that she was a light of their lives and a joy to their hearts. She can't help but have been a blessing to all she met. Bradens are like that. I know this hurts. My heartfelt sympathy.
Bill Melton
June 1, 2014
David, Sara and Family-
Sincere condolences on Gail's passing.
She was a wonderful daughter, mother and grandmother, who led a rich life.
May the Good Lord Bless Gail and the Family.
May 31, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and cfory in Osalms 65:2.
Linwood Olson
May 31, 2014
Clif, John and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family over the loss of darling Gail. She was a shining light to everyone she met.
Jim Garcia
May 31, 2014
Cliff - I am very sorry to hear about your wife's passing. God will be at her side.
Monica
May 31, 2014
My deepest sympathy to hear about the loss of your loved one.(John 11:38-43)
Charissa Skinner
May 30, 2014
Clif, I am sorry to hear of your wife's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Kristi Krupala
May 30, 2014
Gail was a wonderful colleague and mentor while I was at MD Anderson. I am sadden to hear of her passing. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.
Charles and Ann Wenck
May 29, 2014
We were very sad to learn of Gail's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Maryann Wenck Lemmon
May 29, 2014
Clif, I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. I often think of you and your family. My sympathy to your family and may God Bless and give you peace through this time.
Maryann Wenck Lemmon
Sarah Roberts Hoyle
May 29, 2014
I first met Gail in the 1st Grade at Rosemont Elementary. I remember her beautiful blond braids, bright blue eyes and the sweetest smile ever. We were in Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls and continued through the 12th Grade together. What a treasure Heaven has received! Thank you God for blessing us with this sweet soul for 64 years. My heartfelt sympathy to the family, may your beautiful memories bring you comfort.
Steve Brooks
May 29, 2014
I always knew Gail was destined to do great things during her life. I will always remember her fantastic sense of humor and those lovely puppy dog eyes.
No she has not left us, she's just changing skies.
Sarah Hoyle
May 29, 2014
What a gift Gail was to this world. I was in 1st through 12th Grades as well as Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls with this delightful soul. In the first grade she had the prettiest long blond braids, sparkling blue eyes and the sweetest smile a child could ever have. Heaven has received a treasure. I thank God for sharing this very special person with us for 64 years. My heartfelt sympathy to the family and I pray that your beautiful memories will bring you comfort.
Mary Ann McKenzie
May 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to Gail's family. I am thinking of you at this time and send my best regards.
Mary Ann McKenzie (Goode)
Janus (Bye) Buss
May 29, 2014
The light of Gail's smile never changed. We shared some great times as Jacketeers and Bisonettes. Her smile could always light up a room. She will be missed.
Karyne Stinchcombe Schindel
May 29, 2014
Thoughts and prayers for the Braden and Goodwin families. I know Gail had an active, fulfilling life and will be greatly missed by all.
Jody Seay
May 29, 2014
So long to my long-time Bison pal. We were all made better by knowing you; all the world made a little lesser by your passing. Your goodness, love of family, and zest for life are your legacy, Gail. You will be missed, my friend. Now, off to the next great adventure! JS
Thomas Russell
May 29, 2014
I think I have known Gail since the 2nd Grade at Rosemont. She lived less than a block away, next door to Frank Cathey and Nancy Belden. What a great block! She always had a smile on her face and brought joy to everyone around her.
She excelled academically and socially, and was a good dancer, first noticed during dance lessons at Glen Stayer's house.
I last saw Gail at Goff's across from SMU with her parents about a year ago. She still had her smile and her energy, and that is how I will remember her.
My heart and my prayers go out to Clif and her family. I am fortunate for knowing her, and the world is less for her passing.
Julie Robert Justin Maddie Goodwin
May 28, 2014
Our prayers and sympathy go out to Cliff and the family! Gail was a beautiful person inside and out and loved her infectious smile each time we saw her!
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