Ellen Kay Goodman (aka Corin)

Ellen Goodman passed away on 3/28/22 after a long illness. She was 3 weeks shy of her 67th birthday. Ellen had a difficult life as a result of a brain injury sustained at age 2 from a vaccine. This necessitated her needing care for 24x7 in a series of facilities. The latest facility was the Young Adult Institute in NY. They took excellent care of her for over 40 years in a number of residential homes. YAI was established as a result of the Willowbrook expose by Geraldo Rivera. The NY State Legislature then constructed facilities and approved funds for taking care of disabled adults which served as a model for other facilities worldwide. The small residential houses in regular middle class communities served 6-8 clients each and coordinated with sheltered workshops, entertainment venues, round the clock care givers, and administrators. They were an excellent alternative to the large inhumane facilities that existed prior to the 1970's. Her complex medical conditions were likewise handled by a number of excellent local physicians, some taking care of her for decades. In the last 10 months of her life she was in and out of hospitals and nursing homes as her health deteriorated.

Ellen was a voracious reader at her own level. She had an amazing ability to recall dates of birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events. She also had a wonderful personality, never complaining, criticizing, or holding a grudge. She also was able to get along with almost anyone although she did have her likes and dislikes. She was able to perform the jewish Bat Mitzvah ceremony in her 40's and did so with great pride and celebration.

Her primary caretaker was her mother Arline, until she passed away in 2014. At that time her brother Ira Goodman took over. He provided many things for her including books, clothes, medical POA, gifts, visits to San Diego, vacation trips, and connection with a number of relatives. She regularly traveled to Wilmington Delaware to visit her beloved Aunt Helen and Uncle Alan until they too passed away. Her cousins Jeff, Ron, and Howard Rubin as well as their children always maintained a good relationship with her right up until the final event. She passed away from advanced stage heart failure and its complications after a valiant battle.

She is survived by her brother Ira, her nephew Nathaniel Goodman, her sister in law Wende Goodman, her cousins Jeff, Ron, and Howard Rubin and their spouses and children. She also left behind many friends, co-clients, co workers from the QCP workshop, staffers , and administrators who all participated in her care and life.

Please express your condolences by a donation to YAI.