Kendra Goodwin, 52, of Willow, died peacefully Sept. 8, 2007, at her daughter's home in Wasilla, where she was "graced by the presence of her beloved family."
A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the home of Robin and Roland Tresham on Willow Creek. Call 907-354-7712 for directions. Send flowers to 19835 W. Gina Circle, Willow 99688.
Kendra was born Nov. 18, 1954, in Iona, Mich., but was raised here in Alaska, mainly in Willow.
She had various residences around the Mat-Su area throughout most of her adult life. After spending several years in Florida, Kendra was living in Chicago when she found out she had cancer just six weeks ago.
Her family wrote: "Kendra's only wish before she died was to come home and be with family. Kendra warmed our hearts these last six weeks with her smiles, hugs and laughter. It was a true blessing to have her home."
Kendra was known for her always-on-the-go, independent nature. Kendra loved car races, writing, traveling and dancing.
Survivors are her daughter, Gina Beech; son, Joseph Beech and his wife, Aimee; grandchildren, Tyler, Cory, Allison, Mallory and Carly; mother, Elizabeth Georgia McGriff; sisters, Raelene Getts, Julie Fulton and Robin Tresham; 11 nieces and nephews, Kelley McDonald, Misty VanderWeele, Kim Yadon, Kenneth Smith, Boone Tanner, Shane Voelk, Shannon Casey, Roland Tresham, Reed Tresham, Casey Tresham, Autumn Tweety; and 16 great-nieces and -nephews, most of whom live in the Mat-Su area. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Getts, who lived in Willow, and sister, Teresa Voelk.
Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.