Alyssa Ann Goodman

Heaven embraced its strongest Angel and Warrior on Father’s Day morning, June 18th, 2023, as Alyssa Ann Goodman busted through the gates of heaven and gained her wings.

Alyssa’s beautiful life began on January 29th, 1982, when she opened those unforgettable blue eyes and let out a “here I am world, cry!”  She was the second daughter of Julie (Gabriel) Goodman.  When she entered a room, you felt her presence and you certainly could not miss her stunning beauty.  She was naturally charismatic and loved to talk, sharing the gift of storytelling that she inherited from her grandpa (Anthony) Gabriel.  She took pride in her unending support and love for Veterans and anyone she could give a hand-up to.  Alyssa always celebrated her Irish-Italian heritage with pride.

Alyssa was raised in Herkimer, N.Y., and enjoyed spending time with her six siblings.  She had a special place in her heart for her grandma (Patricia) and Grandpa (Anthony) Gabriel.  She was also an adventurer with her Great Aunt Betty Schneider, whom she traveled with often. 

She is remembered by all who loved her as an individual who exhibited steadfast love and loyalty.  She was a fighter: at birth, in life and right to the very end of her earthly life.  Alyssa was strong willed and always described herself as her brother’s and sister’s keeper.  She was the ride or die for her friends and family.  

Alyssa’s other cherished name was “Mom.”  She fell in love with Anthony Meeks, while living in Baltimore, MD. The pride and joy of her life was her three sons: Anthony (A.J.), Bryson and Carter Meeks. She raised them to be strong, loving, and worldly.  She traveled with them, cooked with them, danced and sang with them, attended their school and sporting events and fished with them, while immersing them in the beauty of nature, thus giving them a variety of experiences in life. Alyssa took the time to honor her grandpa, as she brought the boys home to see him often, never missing one of his stories, all while sneaking him snacks and his favorite chocolate milk shake and French fries.       

Alyssa’s memory will be forever cherished by her surviving family members, including her beloved boys: Anthony, Bryson and Carter Meeks.  Mother, Julie (Gabriel) Goodman and Wayne Mead.  Sisters, Jennifer (Goodman) Minarchi (Andrew), Jessica (Goodman) Becker (Devin), Amber (Mead) Mercer (Clifton), Kyle Mead (Ashley), Cody Mead (Sarah) and Katie Mead.  Alyssa leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and they will always remember her as the fun Aunt!  She loved attending their football games and could be seen running up and down the sidelines screaming encouragement and often bribing with a spaghetti dinner if they got a touchdown.  Her cousins Andrew Vandenberg (Crystal) and Nicole George (Joe) will miss her wild heart and shenanigans, as well as her aunts: Lori (Gabriel) Knapp (John), Mary Gabriel, Gina Vandenberg, Trish (Gabriel) Wielt and Cynthia Gabriel. 

She was predeceased by her Guardian Angel and Big Sister, Elayne Lynn Goodman, her beloved Grandma, Patricia Gabriel, and her hero, Grandpa, Anthony Gabriel and their son (her uncle, Anthony J. Gabriel III). We take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her cherished family members, whom she grieved deeply.

A special thank you goes out to her siblings, mom and Wayne, cousin Nicole George and Aunt Trish for holding vigil by her side for weeks, while she fought the good fight in Baltimore.

The family would also like to acknowledge and honor Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, (M.I.C.U.), doctors for their guidance, unwavering support and loyalty to her care, specifically Heather and Chris, her round-the-clock nurses.  Earth-Angels!

We embrace and appreciate her cherished friends, Corey and Faith, from Baltimore and Aja, who drove the distance, stayed by her side, comforted her, and kept in touch with the family throughout her hospitalization.  Your love and dedication is priceless.

Family and friends will honor Alyssa’s memory at a graveside service on Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her GoFundMe, to benefit her three boys.

Alyssa Goodman GoFundMe

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