Maryellen A. Goodwin, 71, of Murrells Inlet, SC, and formerly of Atlantic City, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, surrounded by her devoted husband and loving children.
 
Born to Joseph and Helen McGarry in Scranton, PA, Maryellen grew up in Linwood, NJ, as the third of eight children in a proud Irish family. A beacon of grace and kindness from an early age, she was crowned May Queen by her eighth-grade classmates at St. Joseph's Elementary School. Summers at Longport's 26th Street beach with her large, lively family solidified her love for the ocean and inspired countless family traditions.
 
At Holy Spirit High School, she met her lifelong love, John. For 52 years of marriage, they painted a vibrant life of creativity and adventure, rehabbing houses, crafting gifts and friendships, and exploring together on cruises and RV trips.
 
They raised three children in Northfield, NJ, where Maryellen became a cornerstone of her community. She was an active member of Northfield All Sports, St. Joseph Regional's PTA, and St. Bernadette's Parish. Her professional career included roles at the Sands Casino, Atlantic City Sheraton, Atlantic City Convention Center, and Trump Marina Golden Nugget, where her strong work ethic and warm personality impacted everyone she worked with.
 
Maryellen and John moved to Atlantic City in 2001, rehabbing a historic home together and hosting memorable porch parties with her dear neighbors. Maryellen and John retired to Murrells Inlet, SC, in 2017, where her vibrant personality and near-famous beloved pug, Myrtle, brought joy to a wide circle of new friends.
 
In addition to being a lifelong and committed blood donor, she donated a kidney through the Gift of Life Program in 2019, initiating a nine-person lifesaving donation chain.
 
Maryellen was most proud of her grandchildren, and she cherished time spent with them, especially on the beach.  She was often on the sidelines or in the bleachers, cheering them on.  Maryellen was also known for crafting her grandkid's legendary Halloween costumes.
 
Maryellen's selflessness and enduring kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her creativity and positivity nurtured lifelong friendships and brightened every community she touched. As an avid crafter, she became the fixer of everything—mending everything from torn pants to broken spirits with her skilled hands and genuine warmth.
 
Maryellen is survived by her devoted husband, John; her children, Theresa (Chris) Fahy, John Goodwin, and Karen (Gary) Lamach; and her beloved grandchildren, Claire (Andy), Sean, Joe, Colleen, Harrison, and Dexter. She also will be dearly missed by her siblings, Pat Kraeer, Margaret (Rob) Eden, Ann (Tom) Gabrielson, Joe (Ann) McGarry, Mark (Sylvia) McGarry, and Brian (Colleen) McGarry; and by John's family, Tom (Robin), Ed (Cyanne), Jim (Chris), and her brother-in-law Michael McGinty.  Her many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children will also miss her dearly as the "favorite aunt."
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helen McGarry; her brother, Thomas McGarry; her in-laws, John and Frances Goodwin; and her sister-in-law, Gail McGinty.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Linwood, NJ, on Saturday, January 11, at 11:30 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. A memorial mass will be held at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet SC on Tuesday January 28 at 10:00am.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Maryellen's memory to the Glioblastoma Foundation (https://fundraise.glioblastomafoundation.org/maryellengoodwin) or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
 
Her radiant spirit will forever warm the hearts of all who knew her.

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is assisting the family with the arrangements.