Barbara A. Goodale

Barbara B. Goodale, 79, of Princeton, Massachusetts, passed away on September 4, 2026, surrounded by her family, after courageously battling multiple escalating medical conditions. 

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Barbara came to New England for college at Worcester State and got her degree in education. She later got a master’s degree in school counseling from Anna Maria College and spent 15 years as a first-grade teacher in Fitchburg (at West Fitchburg School and Crocker Elementary) before putting her career on hold to raise her children. When she returned to work, she spent 22 years as a reading teacher at Central Tree Middle School in Rutland, where she helped middle schoolers for whom traditional reading education had not been effective. She worked into her seventies and genuinely enjoyed seeing her students become successful readers. 

In addition to helping others with reading and beyond, she enjoyed word games and puzzles with her family, maintaining her beautiful gardens, walking in nature, collecting seashells, listening to the birds, and spending time with her grandchildren. 

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, John Goodale; her children, daughter Natalie (and her husband Patrick) Fields and son Cory; and her two cherished granddaughters, Autumn and Noelle. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, George. 

The family is holding a private service. To honor her memory, please consider a donation to your local library, a community garden, or the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit Barbara’s tribute wall.