by Kristin Janeiro
During Women’s History Month, we are taking time to honor the lives of several women who call Goodwin House Alexandria (GHA) home. Some shared their stories in their own words. Others were shared by the people who know and love them best. Each one reflects a life that made an impact, often in ways that continue to ripple outward.
These stories are part of everyday life in our Small House Health Care Center at GHA, where care is designed to feel like home. We are proud to share just a few of these stories with you, highlighting women whose lives continue to inspire us.
Built on the small house model, the Small Houses at GHA support older adults who need more assistance, whether for short-term rehab or long-term nursing care. Each household includes just ten residents, with private rooms, open kitchens and shared living spaces that help create a sense of connection.
Katy Kaufman Chinworth: A Voice That Carried
As a high school senior in Indiana, Katy Kaufman Chinworth stood on stage to speak about the electoral college. What followed was a remarkable achievement. She won the statewide Rotary International High School Oratory competition, advancing through multiple levels to earn the title of state champion.
Her future husband, Ford Chinworth, remembers the dedication behind that moment. Both were coached by Mildred Petrie, a teacher known for developing strong speakers. Katy’s preparation set her apart.
It is a memory that reflects confidence and a willingness to step forward.
Patricia Bango: A Lifetime of Advocacy
Patricia Bango’s career in radiology began more than 70 years ago, but her impact extends far beyond the clinical setting.
She helped launch one of the first mobile mammography programs in Camden, New Jersey, bringing screenings directly to underserved communities. Patricia later helped expand similar efforts in the Washington, D.C. region through George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates.
Patricia’s work became personal after losing her sister to breast cancer. That loss led her to contribute to the Sister Study, a national research effort exploring environmental and genetic factors. Today, Patricia continues to advocate for awareness and early detection.
Josephine J. Walker: A Life of Faith and Purpose
Josephine J. Walker’s life has been guided by conviction and discipline.
A devoted wife, mother, educator and mentor, Josephine shaped lives in classrooms, churches and communities. Her family describes her as someone who believes in doing what is right, not what is easy. Her lessons extend beyond textbooks, focusing on integrity and perseverance.
In celebration of her 90th birthday, Josephine’s children honored her with a tribute that shows the depth of her influence. Cherrie, Josephine’s youngest child, wrote a poem which beautifully captures the essence of this steadfast matriarch:
A Tribute to Our Matriarch
In Celebration of Ninety Beautiful Years
Ninety years of grace and light, A journey shining, pure and bright. Our Matriarch, both strong and wise, With love eternal in her eyes.
A Family-Oriented guiding soul, With faith in God that made you whole. A Courageous heart through joy and test, You’ve given all and offered your best.
An Educator, shaping minds, An Artist with your heart refined. Determined, Respected, through all you’ve done, A life well-lived, a race well-run.
A Mother, Grandmother, Devoted and true, Your love still teaches, still carries us through. God-Fearing, God Loving, Tenacious too, A steadfast spirit—our gift is you.
Dependable, Creative, endlessly Kind, With wisdom vast and a Knowledgeable mind. Accomplished, Caring, and deeply Committed, Your love for family—beautifully knitted.
Helpful hands, a heart that can be warming, Your strength has weathered every storm. You Love Your Family, heart and soul, Each one a piece that makes you whole.
And I, your youngest, stand in praise, Grateful, for your steadfast ways. Through Ninety Years, your light has shown— Because of You, I’ve never been alone.
Katie Noe: A Teacher and Community Builder
For more than 35 years, Katie Noe dedicated her career to educating young children in Alexandria, Virginia. Her influence can be seen across generations of families whose lives she helped shape during their earliest years.
Beyond the classroom, Katie has been involved in her community. She served as a Girl Scout leader, contributed to the League of Women Voters and helped found the Alexandria Independent School. Her long-standing involvement with St. Paul’s Church reflects her commitment to service.
Katie also witnessed history firsthand, attending the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which reinforced her belief in equity in education.
While her professional accomplishments are many, Katie’s family shares that her greatest joy has been being a mother and grandmother, creating traditions that continue today.
Ann Harvell: Strength Through Every Season
Ann Harvell’s life spans nearly a century of change.
Born during the Great Depression, Ann carried forward lessons of resourcefulness throughout her life. She built a successful career while raising five children, setting an example at a time when that path was less common for women.
Ann also dedicated 16 years to mentoring young women through the Take Stock in Children program, guiding students toward graduation and college. The relationships she built through this work left a lasting impression.
Her outlook on life is captured in a phrase she often shared: “This too shall pass.”
Elizabeth Brunner: A Legacy of Care
Elizabeth Brunner spent more than two decades as a school psychologist, supporting students, families and educators across Arlington County, Virginia.
Her commitment to care continued when she helped establish a pastoral care ministry at The Falls Church Anglican in Falls Church, Virginia. What began as a small effort grew into a vital support system for the congregation.
Elizabeth created a space where individuals could seek help with personal challenges, from mental health concerns to family struggles. She built a network of trusted professionals and volunteers and ensured people received the support they needed.
Over 20 years, the ministry expanded under her leadership and became an essential part of the church community. Her work demonstrates her compassion and dedication to others.
Joan Vogel: Gardening and Community
Joan Vogel has long been known for her love of gardening, creating shaded, welcoming spaces wherever she has lived, from Alexandria, Virginia to Shenandoah County. She served as president of both the Red Hill Garden Club and the Beverly Hills Garden Club (both of Alexandria, Virginia), sharing her love of plants with others. She favored delicate ferns and took pride in tending her gardens herself.
Joan has always been active in her community, including many years with the Campagna Center which serves children and families in Alexandria, Virginia and where she helped lead a major fundraising effort and later served on the Board of Directors.
As the wife of a Central Intelligence Agency officer, Joan lived abroad during the Cold War, raising her family while supporting a life of constant change.
After the loss of her husband, Joan built a new chapter centered on her family and community. At GHA, she has remained involved over the years by serving on the Resident Council and participating in community life.
Patricia (Pat) Vallient-Barnes: A Life Across Coasts
Pat Vallient-Barnes’ story spans both coasts, with roots in Falls Church, Virginia.
She began her career in accounting in Washington, D.C. before moving to Los Angeles for work and eventually starting her own firm. Even while living across the country, Pat returned home each year to visit her parents where she eventually connected with her future husband, Allen. They were wed on New Year’s Day.
While in Los Angeles, Pat made the decision to join Alcoholics Anonymous. She remained committed to the program after returning to Virginia and continues to support others in their own journeys. At the time of writing, Pat will celebrate 52 years of sobriety in the coming weeks.
Through it all Pat has stayed grounded and quick to bring humor to any situation, once quipping to her sister, “I’m hot stuff too, but I don’t need a license plate to prove it.”
Juliet Crumrine: Curiosity and Adventure
Juliet Ellis Crumrine was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and grew up in Oak Ridge, a newly formed town shaped by the work of atomic scientists. She often reflects on the sense of mystery there. Residents needed badges to enter and leave, and few people fully understood the work being done.
Juliet studied at the University of Tennessee and went on to teach Spanish and English before moving to Austria, where she taught English conversation and experienced life abroad.
After returning to the United States, Juliet made Washington, D.C. her home and built a career as a technical writer and editor.
Juliet loves traveling, cooking and time with friends and family. She is especially cherished by her niece and nephew, who have always felt her care and presence in their lives.
Erma Nettles: A Life of Language and Travel
Erma Nettles is a proud Greek Cypriot whose life has been built with resilience and curiosity.
Growing up in Cyprus during the 1920s and ‘30s, Erma developed a love for education and language. She went on to speak several languages fluently and became a strong writer, even publishing poetry in her university years.
At just 20 years old, Erma took on a remarkable project teaching English to more than 200 Greek citizens as they traveled by ship to begin new lives in Australia.
After marrying a U.S. Coast Guard officer, she traveled extensively before settling in Northern Virginia. Erma is known for her sense of humor, love of storytelling and care for animals. She had seven Boston terriers and enjoyed feeding all the neighborhood cats.
Faye Woodrow: Connection and Community
Faye Woodrow was born in 1929 in Aynor, South Carolina, and later moved to Beaufort, where she was crowned Miss Beaufort as a teenager in 1947.
After marrying and becoming a Marine wife, Faye built a life centered on community and connection. She volunteered with organizations such as the March of Dimes, supported her children’s schools and remained active in her church. Faye also helped support a Vietnamese family through her church, a connection that continues to this day.
Faye has always loved being with others and is known for never meeting a stranger. Today, she stays active at the GHA Small Houses, enjoying painting, flower arranging and time with friends.
Jackie Phillips: Joy and Tradition
Jackie Phillips grew up in Washington, D.C. during the Great Depression, where she learned to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
While attending George Washington University, Jackie was crowned Cherry Blossom Queen and Homecoming Queen for the Naval Academy. She later worked on Capitol Hill, married a handsome D-day veteran, Allen Phillips, and lived on the campus of Episcopal High School where Allen became Dean of Students.
Jackie was known for bringing people together, whether through school events, church involvement or time with family. You knew when she was coming home, as she would always shout a cheery “ You-hoooo”. Her greatest joy was raising her two children and building traditions that continue today.
At Goodwin House Alexandria, Jackie has remained involved over the years, first serving on the Goodwin Living Board of Trustees and later as a resident. She loves playing bridge, traveling and going to the theater.
A Community Shaped by Extraordinary Women
Each of these women brings a unique story, shaped by the lives they built and the people who know and love them.
In the Small House Health Care Center at Goodwin House Alexandria, these stories are part of daily life. Within each household of ten residents, care is personalized and relationships matter. The setting supports comfort, familiarity and connection while meeting each person’s needs.
This Women’s History Month, we are honored to celebrate the lives and lasting impact of the women who call our community home.
If you are exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to learn more about the Small House Health Care Center at Goodwin House Alexandria. Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.
_____________________________
Kristin Janeiro is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Goodwin Living, where she supports operations, social media and storytelling efforts across the organization. Originally from Northern Virginia, she is passionate about sharing the people and purpose behind Goodwin Living. Beyond the keyboard, find Kristin perfecting a new recipe, negotiating for couch space with her dogs or diving into her latest book.
