Gena Goodfriend

Gena Goodfriend, 54, passed away at home, unexpectedly, on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, from health complications related to primary progressive multiple sclerosis. She was brave, kindhearted, brilliant, cultured, inquisitive, a supporter of social justice and gender equality. Growing up actively involved at Congregation Emanu El, Gena's Bat Mitzvah was the first, including both father and mother, seated on the pulpit. She later studied other religions, embracing Universal Unitarianism, for its early roots supporting feminism, intertwining it with her Judaism. Gena graduated from SMU with both a B.A. and B.B.A. Prior to MS, she had numerous adventures traveling the world exploring many cultures. Gena was a people person, valuing her collection of friends of all ages, cultures and intellects. Above all else, she treasured her niece, Gilliana, much as her daughter, whom she had the gift of helping raise. Diagnosed nearly 20 years ago with multiple sclerosis, during 2004, Gena became bedbound, then, totally paralyzed, requiring 24/7 care by primary caregivers: her mother, later joined by her sister, whose family relocated to Texas in 2007. Just approved in September for a stem cell transplant that would dramatically improve her conditions, Gena wholeheartedly believed there would be a cure found during her lifetime, which was expected into her 90s, despite primary progressive MS. Gena leaves her mother, Meryl Goodfriend; sister, Aléce Goodfriend; and niece, Gilliana Hope Gaines. She was predeceased by her father, Norris Goodfriend; and grandparents, Helen and Harold Baernstein; Rose and Ed Goodfriend. Special thanks to friends, Martin Cominsky, Terry Cominsky, Gary Goodfriend, Rabbi Robert Haas, Diane Stotz, Dena Stucker, Gene Stucker, the UU Care Team set up by Mary Jane Hurlbert, Drs. Eliot Frohman, George Hutton, Timothy Boone, Stephen Lapin, David Wolf, Brian Loftus, visiting nurses and therapists, supplementary caregivers, Multiple Sclerosis Society of America, Respite Fund of Lonestar National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Nurse Management EMS, CVS, Aetna and Medicaid all making it possible for Gena to be cared for while living at home. Donations honoring Gena may be made to: Congregation Shma Koleinu Rabbi's Discretionary Fund; Multiple Sclerosis Association of America; The National MS Society Respite Fund, or remember Gena with an armband, if you walk or bike for MS.

Gena Goodfriend

May 17, 1962 - September 27, 2016