Joan Carole Goodwin (née Bentrup) passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Born on December 11, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late Wes and Marie Bentrup.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late John "Jack" W. Goodwin Jr.; devoted mother of John Goodwin (Lisa Catalano); cherished partner of James "Jim" Nelms; dear sister of the late Wally (Norma) Bentrup; and a loving aunt, cousin, and treasured friend to many.

Valedictorian graduate of Beaumont High School, Joan went on to attend Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her bachelor's degree. It was at Washington University, while playing tennis, that she met her first love, Jack. They were married and built a life together centered on love, family, friendship, and hard work.

Following Jack's passing, Joan was fortunate to reconnect with her former Mallinckrodt colleague, James "Jim" Nelms. Together they shared many wonderful years, traveling the world and creating lasting memories. Affectionately known as "the two traveling J's," they embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and joy.

Joan was a devoted and loving mother whose greatest happiness came from spending time with her son and loved ones. Her face would light up whenever family were together, and the love she had for them was evident to everyone who knew her.

Joan dedicated 47 years of her career to Mallinckrodt, where she was respected for her professionalism, loyalty, and work ethic. Throughout her life, she demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience, overcoming breast cancer and persevering through multiple strokes with unwavering determination. She faced every challenge with grace, optimism, and the heart of a true fighter.

A faithful member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, Joan found joy in the simple blessings of life. She loved walking, talking to the neighbors, playing cards, spending time outside, playing tennis, and exploring the world through travel.  She especially adored her grand-cats, Logan and Delilah, who brought her endless smiles.  Joan enjoyed eating...everyone was amazed at the amount of food she could consume!   Some of her favorites included salad, pizza, and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Joan will be remembered most for her kind and generous spirit. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and greeted everyone she met with warmth and compassion.  She also never said a curse word except for that one time in physical therapy.  Her positivity, strength, and unwavering love for others left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Services: A Private Celebration of Joan's Life will be held on Sunday, July 12th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Joan's memory. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, the family invites you to share your memories and condolences in the on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.