Mary Frances Goodwin

Mary Frances (Means) Goodwin was born in Boone, Iowa, on May 11, 1900, the daughter of Thomas E. and Agnes K. Means. She attended local schools in Boone and graduated from high school in 1918.

After one year at Grinnell College, she transferred to Iowa State University where she majored in food and nutrition in the Home Economics Division. It was during her days at Iowa State that she met her husband, Mortimer Goodwin, also a student. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and served on their advisory board for a number of years following graduation.

In 1926, she married Mortimer Goodwin in Boone, Iowa. They bought the newspaper in Marengo, Iowa, together with K. R. Marvin and ran it for a few years. After selling the newspaper, the Goodwins formed a bank in Burlington, Iowa. Their only child was born in 1935 while they lived in Burlington. After selling the bank in Burlington, they bought the bank in Pella.

In 1940 tragedy struck! Their only child passed away from a bronchial streptococcus infection. Penicillin was not discovered until six months later.

With the advent of World War II, Mortimer Goodwin was commissioned in the U. S. Navy. During the war years, Mary Frances went to the bank every day and handled the war bond sales.

After the war years, the bank in Pella was sold and the Goodwins purchased the Union Story Bank in Ames. During the years in Ames, they both worked hard for many civic causes as well as the University. Most of their charitable acts have been anonymous.

When Mary Frances' only sister died in 1963, she became a surrogate mother to her niece and three nephews. Over the years, she and her husband filled a special spot in the lives of these people. As one of the nephews of Mary Frances Goodwin, I want to honor her by having a brick installed as a lasting memorial to commemorate all of the fine things she has done for her family friends community and the University.

She is currently residing in the health center at Northcrest in Ames. While she is unable to get out anymore, she continues to maintain a very positive attitude and is still interested in the University and the activities of her family and friends. She has given much strength and encouragement to other residents of Northcrest and continues to contribute heavily to various charitable causes.

6/14/94