Phyllis L. Goodenough

Phyllis Luverne Goodenough (formerly Collins) passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on June 19, 1934, in the Astoria Heights neighborhood of Queens, she was the daughter of the late Howard L. and Hildegard Gerson Goodenough.
Phyllis was a woman of intellect, strength, and devotion. She married Dr. John Wm. Collins in 1960, and together they shared a deep commitment to family and intellectual curiosity. She leaves behind a legacy through her children: Sarah (John) Lindley of Flower Mound, TX; Christopher (Kathryn) Collins of Chicago, IL; Alexander (Naoko) Collins of Neenah, WI; and Nathaniel Collins of Santa Clara, CA. She was a proud grandmother to five. She is also survived by her brother Edwin Goodenough, nephew Forrest Goodenough, and many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Howard Jr.
Raised in Metuchen, NJ, Phyllis graduated from its High School in 1952 before pursuing her passion for science at Wellesley College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She enjoyed College Crew and College Chapel. Her early career started with work as a lab assistant at Harvard Medical School before continuing her education at the University of Vermont, earning a Master of Science in Botany. It was there, on a fateful mushroom hunt, that she met her future husband, John (Jack).
Phyllis chose to dedicate herself to raising her four children, making countless sacrifices to nurture their education, creativity, and growth. She was a soccer mom of the arts, ensuring her children had every opportunity to develop their talents, from private lessons in piano, violin, and cello to endless school activities and academic pursuits.
Phyllis was a woman who built lasting connections. Her friendships were fostered through weekly cross-stitch classes, where she created beautiful works of art that became treasured gifts. She was a devoted member of book clubs, including Neenah's historic Yesterday, Today & Forever Nonfiction Book Club, founded in 1889. She had a bent for letter writing, staying in touch with friends and family across the miles.
Life presented challenges, and Phyllis met them with grace and resilience. When her husband's health declined, she returned to the workforce. She spent over 20 years at Theda Clark Memorial Hospital in the Admitting and Medical Records Departments.
Phyllis was a fierce advocate for women's rights, serving as President of the Association of American University Women (AAUW) in both the Neenah-Menasha and Appleton branches. She believed in education, equality, and empowerment, and she led by example.
Faith was at the heart of Phyllis life. She worshipped regularly, attended Bible study classes, and remained active in her church community. She supported St. Thomas's Double Portions, Senior Lunch, and the United Thank Offering (UTO). Her retirement years were filled with volunteer work, pouring her time and energy into causes she believed in. Despite her own health struggles, she gave selflessly for over two decades serving the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass and the Neenah Historical Society.
After her divorce, Phyllis proudly reclaimed her maiden name Goodenough not just for its uniqueness, but as a testament to her strength and family heritage. She was a founding member of the Goodenow Family Association. She hosted its biennial reunion in 2000.
Phyllis cherished the details of her house and historic neighborhood. She strived to preserve her 1886 Victorian home and successfully listed it on the State Historic Register.
Her dear friend, Fr. Ian Montgomery, will lead the inurnment service and Eucharist at St. Thomas Episcopal Anglican Church this Summer.
Her love, wisdom, and boundless generosity will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on in the lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, Phyllis requested donations be made to St. Thomas Church's Double Portion meal offering program; Double Portion, 226 Washington St., Menasha, WI 54952.