- Volume 69 , Number 4
- Page: 360
Dolores D. Goodman
On October 15, 2001, the International Journal ol Leprosy as well as the entire leprosy scientific community, lost a very dear friend and advocate. Dolores D. Goodman, better known as "Dee," away on this date after an 8 1/2-year battle with cancer. Dee was the Assistant Editor of the International Journal of Leprosy from 1982 until her death in 2001. When Dee began working for the IJL, she took on the task with unequaled energy, determination and devotion to produce the most professional scientific journal in the field of leprosy. She was exceptionally dedicated to the Journal, the correctness of its content and its reflection upon the authors.
Dee received a B.A. in Fine Arts from the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and gained experience in many other diversified areas. Some of those fortunate enough to benefit from her talents, professionalism, vitality, and unmatched quick wit, included the McNair Construction Company and the HETRA Computer and Communications Industries, Inc., of Satellite Beach and Melbourne, Florida, respectively; the Graduate School of Business Administration at Washington University and the Missouri Botanical Gardens' Education Department in St. Louis. Missouri; as well as the Gulf South Research Institute and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
After being diagnosed with the cancer. Dee realized that if she and her husband, John, were going to fulfill their plans, she would have to make some changes. So, in 1996, Dee and John moved to Florida, where they planned to retire someday; however, she continued her work as the Assistant Editor of the IJL, until her death, with the same self-discipline and devotion she always possessed.
Dee had the perception and the wisdom to see beyond words and actions. She was a "cheerleader" to all who knew her and she encouraged them all to "go for it." She was devoted to life and family. On October 15, 2001, John Goodman, Wendy Goodman Fury, and Tracy Goodman Henry, lost a fabulous mother; Kathryn, Shelby, and Erin Sternberg, and Kendall and Will Henry, lost a grandmother who cherished them deeply; the leprosy scientific community lost an advocate, and many of us lost a dear friend.
Most people come and go in this world quickly, as if with the wind. And live without perceived greatness, without deserved or spoken recognition, but then the wind changes, and they are gone. There are no great statues erected in their honor, nonetheless, they forever leave their mark in your heart.
Dee, your family misses you, the leprosy scientific community misses you, "The Garden Club" misses you, and I miss you. Until we're once again in your presence, may you rest in peace
- Renee A. Painter