Janet (Ryan) Goodnow, 73, of 6 Fairview Drive, Leicester died Friday, April 29, 2016 at UMass-Memorial Hospital University Campus, after being stricken ill.

She leaves her son, David J. Goodnow and his wife Pamela of Fiskdale, and a daughter, Denise T. Ovaska and her husband Michael J. of Ashburnham; two grandchildren, Abbigale and Timothy Ovaska. Her husband of 33 years, Ronald F. Goodnow, passed away in 2002.

Mrs. Goodnow was born in Worcester, the only daughter of James H. and Jeannette (Amyot) Ryan. She graduated from Commerce High School. She was first employed as a secretary followed by many years as a retail clerk.

She was a member of St. Aloysius – St. Jude Parish where she was an Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Ladies Guild. She was Father Jack’s “laundry angel”, as she enjoyed cleaning and preparing the linens for Mass. She had a special devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. She was a member of the Leicester Women’s Club.

She adored her family. Her children and grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Always thinking of others before herself, she was selfless and taught us many lessons. She was fine with working behind the scenes because she didn’t want the limelight. She would always try to put herself in someone else’s shoes and reminded us often that there is always someone else worse off than you.

Her belief was that the purpose of her life was to help others with the gifts that she had. She showed her love in always lending a sympathetic ear to those who needed someone to talk to. She knitted extra pairs of mittens for children at her daughter’s pre-school, and for years, she has graced friends and family with Christmas cards she cross-stitched. She was the friend you always wanted to have.

Her sense of humor was self-effacing and she loved to have a good time. She loved to follow the local pro sports teams though she would rarely watch them play because she got too nervous.

Courageously, she battled to the end while always saying thank you to all who tried to help her get better. She blessed our lives in so many ways that it will take a long time to fully understand it. She will be greatly missed by all who had a chance to know her.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, May 4 from MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street, Leicester with a Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Aloysius-St. Jude Church, 489 Pleasant Street, Leicester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Tuesday, May 3 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The International Dyslexia Association MA branch, P.O. Box 562, Lincoln, MA 01773.