Jill Wakeman Goodman, beloved friend, community advocate, stepmother, aunt, and godmother, passed away peacefully in her home in San Mateo, CA, on August 1, 2025. She was 91 years old.
Jill was born on May 8, 1934, in Coldwater, Michigan, to William Hall Wakeman and Ruth Kitchel Wakeman. At four months old, the family moved to the Peninsula, where Jill spent her remaining nine decades living in Burlingame, Hillsborough, and San Mateo, returning to her cherished Coldwater each summer throughout her childhood.
Descended from a long line of community-minded individuals, Jill began her involvement in the Civil Rights movement in 1963. Her outrage at the discrimination against African-Americans led her to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 1966 as part of the Delta Ministry Project, where she participated in the James Meredith Walk Against Fear.
This experience lit a spark that led to nearly 60 years of passionate dedication to community causes through organizations including the Samaritan House in San Mateo, CALL Primrose Center, the Interfaith Housing Network (IHN) in Burlingame, Circle of Concern, and the Conference of Religion, Race, and Social Concern for San Mateo County. Jill was also involved in the integration of the City of San Mateo School District, the Fair Housing Council of the Mid-Peninsula, and, in recent years, LGBTQ+ rights. This spirit of service endures in the Jill Wakeman Foundation for Equality, established in her honor in 2009.
A fourth-generation Presbyterian, Jill was the longest-standing continuous member of the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame (burlpres) congregation, joining at the age of 5. Over more than 86 years, Jill served in numerous roles, including as a founding member of Faith Seeking Understanding, an early member of the Stephens Ministry Board, a long-time member of the Pastor’s Bible Class, and a member of the Pastoral Caring Committee and Home Communion Group. In addition, she served as a member of the interracial interfaith Women’s Fellowship and an active member of the AGAPE Fellowship with the Ingleside Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 30 years, Robert E. Goodman, in 2011, and her brother Thomas Kitchel Wakeman (her treasured “Tommy”), in 2021.
In the last days of her life, Jill was cared for lovingly by her deeply devoted godson, Aaron McDaniel (Leona). Jill is also survived by stepchildren Rebecca Goodman Krasne (Alan), Ellen Goodman, Susan Goodman Novick (David), and Robert Goodman (Joanne); goddaughter Robin Mooney, nieces and nephews Kalle Wakeman Luck (Ethan), Eric Wakeman (Jen), Mike Wakeman (Amber) and step-nephews and nieces Leonard A.“Tripper” Goodman III, Walter Goodman, Elizabeth Goodman Levy (Jim), Karla Goodman Steinberg (Larry), Jimmy Krohn (Trisha), Lynn Krohn, Doug Krohn (Monique) and Matt Krohn (Elizabeth).
A celebration of Jill’s life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame (burlpres), 1500 Easton Drive, Burlingame, CA. All are welcome.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made in Jill’s honor to the Jill Wakeman Foundation for Equality (JillWakemanFoundation.org).
Jill will be remembered as a blessing to many; an independent and optimistic woman of faith, with a generous heart and an encouraging spirit that lifted others up and inspired them to believe in themselves; a staunch advocate for those being discriminated against, a loyal San Francisco Giants fan, and the best listener for a friend in need.
Condolences may be sent C/O CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, 194 Millwood Drive, Millbrae, CA 94030.
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