Goodman, Irene Ann

Irene Ann Goodman, 89, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, wife, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026.

Irene lived a life defined by love, devotion, and deep care for those around her. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to family and friends, always putting others before herself. She lovingly cared for her parents, her husband, and her expanding family, taking great joy in celebrating every milestone—from bar and bat mitzvahs and graduations to weddings and the births of new generations.

A lifelong Rhode Islander, Irene found great happiness in summers spent at Narragansett Beach. Sundays at the beach were a cherished tradition, often marked by her arrival with a cooler full of food for everyone. She loved to say her tan began on Memorial Day weekend and lasted through Labor Day. Irene also enjoyed playing Mahjong with her lifelong friends, a passion she began at age 19 and continued into her 80s, treasuring friendships that dated back to her junior high school years.

Irene had a passion for fashion and spent much of her adult life working in retail, including at the former Cherry & Webb. She took pride in her keen eye for style, but her love for fashion extended well beyond her career. Aside from spending time with her family, Irene loved to frequent the department stores, finding great joy in the shopping experience.

However, her true pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene truly believed they were the most beautiful things she had ever seen, and she loved to tell them constantly how beautiful and loved they were. She was especially proud to be a devoted grandmother to her accomplished grandchildren, and even more so to be “Gigi” to her five adored great-grandchildren.

In her later years, Irene found her greatest joy in time spent with her immediate family—at holiday dinners, celebrations, and sporting events—surrounded by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she loved so dearly.

A woman of remarkable spirit, Irene lived independently and vibrantly until a recent fall led to an unexpected and rapid decline over the last two months. Her family is grateful for the 89 years of health and energy she enjoyed, living life on her own terms until the very end.

Born on December 10, 1936, Irene was the daughter of the late Ethel and Samuel Phenes and the beloved wife of the late Sidney Goodman. She was also predeceased by her brother, Frederick Phenes. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Laurie Robinson of North Kingstown; her son, Greg Goodman of Boynton Beach, Florida; her loving grandchildren, Amy and Jeff Raymond of North Kingstown and Brad and Jennifer Robinson of North Kingstown; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Noah and Bowen Raymond and Emma, Roman, and Sydney Robinson.

Service Information

Funeral Service: Monday, April 6, at 1:30 p.m. Shalom Memorial Chapel 1100 New London Avenue, Cranston

Shiva: Due to Passover, traditional Shiva will not be observed.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to: HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice 1085 North Main Street Providence, RI 02904