Irene Mary Goodman, age 71, of West Allis, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer and kidney failure. Born on December 5, 1953, in Milwaukee to the late Alvin and Shirley Brooks (née Casey), Irene lived a life defined by love, resilience and generosity.

A proud graduate of West Allis Central High School, Irene began her career at Wisconsin Bell (later AT&T), where she worked for 35 years. She was a dedicated member of the Communications Workers of America and often shared fond memories of her time at the phone company and the lifelong friendships she formed there. Irene retired in 2009 to focus on what mattered most to her — her family.

In 1975, Irene married her first and only love, Mathew Goodman. Though their marriage ended in 1984, their bond endured, and they remained close until Matt's passing in 2005.

Irene's greatest joy in life was her family. She was the devoted mother of Angela (Matthew) Losee, Catherine (James) Demski, and Mathew "Sam" Goodman; the proud grandmother of John, Alex, Matthew, Madeline, Emma, Katelyn and Hailey; and the loving great-grandmother of Ocean, Dominick, Kamryn, Jordan, John Junior, Kyra, Yessenia, Brooklynn and Augustine.

She delighted in cheering on her grandchildren at sporting events and concerts, baking with her granddaughters, shopping and chatting with her children, and watching the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks with her grandsons.

Irene had a remarkable gift for making everyone in her life feel seen, valued and deeply loved. Her generosity knew no bounds. She gave freely of her time, her heart and her home to anyone in need. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her, and she was cherished beyond measure.

Irene was preceded in death by her sister Catherine Zanoni (née Brooks) in 2016 and her brother George (Susan) Brooks in 2022. She is survived by her siblings James (Joan) Brooks, Ellice Heatherly, Alvin (Barbara) Brooks, Jacqueline (Charles) Christiansen, Gerald Brooks and Veronica (Paul) Lorbert, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Each night before bed, at the end of every phone call, and before any long trip, Irene would say, "Jesus bless you and your guardian angel watch over you" — a cherished phrase passed down from her mother. Now, we find comfort in knowing that she is our guardian angel, watching over us with the same love and care she gave so freely in life.

Visitation will be from 2 pm until 4 pm with a service at 4 pm on Saturday, July 19th at Hartson Funeral Home, located at 11111 West Janesville Road, Hales Corners, Wisconsin.