The family of Mona Alyce Goodrich is saddened to announce her passing on Friday, June 27, 2025. She was 70 years old.

Harry and Mary (nee Kelar) Stender joyfully welcomed Mona into the world on January 30, 1955 in Hubertus, WI. On May 25, 1991, she married the love of her life, Austin Goodrich, in Richfield, WI. Together, they had one daughter.

Mona was an artist and fostered her creativity over the years in every facet of her life. She was a lover of the arts and in her life was an actress, composer, graphic designer, gardener, needle pointer and a piano teacher. An exceptional homemaker and host, Mona could set a tablescape that rivaled Martha Stewart or Ina Garten. She saw beauty in every moment, and made every little thing feel special. She revered travel as one of the most important things someone can do in their life. She saw much of the world and collected beloved stories from each visit.

As a care partner for her loving husband, she demonstrated patience, and love in the most beautiful way. In her recent years, she took on her own health issues, but her determination, humor and independent spirit kept her going. She dealt with this adversity with grace and her head held high.

Mona exuded warmth and kindness to all. She had a way of listening that made you feel like the most important person in the room. She was a caring friend, a supportive, loving wife, and the kind of mother every child hopes for. Mona exemplified what it meant to love unconditionally, without judgement. She lived with an open heart and mind and experienced a life full of beauty and awe because of it. Her love and warmth will be felt for years to come.

The family would like to share a quote from Mona's writings that beautifully encapsulate her beliefs on life and death.

"We are like the caterpillar. Slowly we make our way in a very small world. Not really seeing much of it. But then we are reborn as the caterpillar is into a beautiful butterfly. Suddenly we see that which we had never seen before. We are removed from our slow, limited bodies and can fly!"

Mona leaves behind her daughter, Sam Goodrich Decker, her daughter-in-law Lauren Decker, her adored cat, Greta, and her grand pup, a goldendoodle named Poppy. She is further survived by multiple generations of beloved cousins, including Barb Fabian, Mary Norby and Judy Peters; many good friends, including Lisa Decker and Bobi Smith; her late husband's children, Britt Weaver, Tina Goodrich and Timo Goodrich; and several piano students who were all touched by her warmth and kindness. Mona was preceded in death by her adored husband, Austin Goodrich, and her dear sister-in-law Eleanor A. Guilbert.

A celebration of life gathering for Mona will be held in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, donations to help the family offset funeral expenses are greatly appreciated. The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .

Mona's family would like to thank you for holding her memory and bright light in your hearts.