Barbara Burkholder Goux

Barbara Burkholder Goux, 85, of Long Beach, CA, died at home on June 21st, 2025. Born on December 19th, 1939 in Lebanon, PA to loving parents Ruth and Ralph Burkholder, she had an idyllic childhood in their care and in the company of her friend, Joyce Sillins (nee Ostrow); the two considered themselves sisters throughout their lives. Barbara attended Lebanon High School before enrolling at Shippensburg State College where she became editor of the literary magazine, Reflector. After graduating she began graduate study in literature at the University of Pennsylvania. But then she heard the summons issued by President Kennedy "Ask what you can do for your country," which inspired her to volunteer for the Peace Corps. Her flight on June 15th, 1962 from San Francisco to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where she trained for two months, was in reality a flight into her future. First, she sat beside another volunteer, David Goux, who became her husband in June 1965 for some fifty-six years; and second, she acquired skills she practiced and polished for two years in a secondary school in Beaufort of the former North Borneo, now Sabah. After the Corps, Barbara remained resolved to realize the dictum of President Kennedy by devoting her career to teaching English at various universities and schools in the communities where she lived with David, such as Rochester, New York, Burbank California, Bethel Connecticut and, last, Long Beach, California. She also found time to earn a Juris Doctor from CUNY School of Law in Queens, New York in 1991. Throughout her long career Barbara improved the abilities of her students to a level of excellence enabling them to succeed and be productive members of society. In their eyes and the eyes of those who loved her she was a committed champion who never sought celebrity or publicity. When away from work she enjoyed novels and poetry, nature in all its forms, the history and culture of India, jazz and film noir, her favorite film being The Third Man. In her final hour she was with family and friends in her beloved apartment she called Cloud Five. For all who loved her she will always be within our hearts and souls. Predeceased by David in 2021 she is survived by numerous family members including her brother-in law, Tom Goux (and Susan) of Monument Beach, MA, a nephew Randal Goux (and Darshan) of Cataumet, MA, nieces Marjorie Goux (and Brian King) of Oakland, CA, Carrie Goux (and Jonathan Spalter) of Chevy Chase MD, a cousin Bonnie Steiner of Myerstown, PA, and their respective children. Numerous friends who became extended family are, to name a few, Barry Brandt of Mt. Gretna, PA, Alexandra Brandt (and Bennett Povlow) of Elkins Park, PA, Dr. Zana Leitz of San Diego, CA, Thaine Allison of Pasadena, CA, Carol Barnes of Providence RI, Gabrielle Mulvihill Burnat (and Adam Lucas) of Martinsville, NJ , Debbie Reilly of Long Beach, CA, Upali Dutta of New Port Richey, FL, Rina Dutta of Kew Gardens, Queens NY, and Barbara's devoted friend Paul Glass of Long Beach, CA. Private services will be held at times to be arranged in Santa Barbara, CA and Lebanon PA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Peace Corps Association at peacecorpsconnect.org in honor of the memory of Barbara and David Goux.