Dorothy Jean Goodwin, 96, of Essex, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family on June 13. Dorothy was born July 15, 1926, in Medford, Massachusetts, to the late James and Marjorie Evelyn (Nicholson) Gray and was the second daughter of 10 children.

Dorothy graduated with a nursing degree and began her career in the United States Cadet Nursing Corps and later volunteered with the American Red Cross. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Earl Edward Goodwin, and they were happily married for over 78 years. Dorothy Jean was a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and great-grandmother who gave of her time in the community, including Cub Scout den leader, Mystic Seaport, Emmanuel Baptist Church Old Saybrook, the book mobile, and the Red Cross.

Dorothy leaves behind her loving husband Earl; son Paul (Lizabeth); son Kenneth Lee (Kathy); beloved daughter Cindy (Erich); sister Phyllis McConche ( Carl); brother Richard Gray; niece Nancy Scott; grandchildren: Kristin, Ross, Nathaniel, Kenny Lee Jr., Michael, and Jesse; and great-grandchildren. We thank her caregiver, Faustina Harley, and Guilford Hospice Home Healthcare for their compassionate care.

All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or by calling 855-448-3997. Amen.