Virginia Morgan Goodrich, a longtime educator who taught fifth grade at Arroyo Vista Elementary in the South Pasadena Unified School District, passed away on December 7, 2025, at Magnolia House Senior Living. She was 71.
Born on April 15, 1954, at The Naval Hospital in Long Beach, California, Ms. Goodrich was the daughter of the late Edward Arrott Goodrich and Julia Lipscomb Goodrich. She grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from West High School before continuing her studies at Chapman University and later the University of Southern California.
A gifted musician, Virginia was an accomplished violist and performed with Mehli Mehta’s American Youth Symphony. Mehta recognized her exceptional talent, keeping her with the ensemble for several years beyond the typical tenure. Her love of music remained a defining thread throughout her life.
Virginia was equally passionate about teaching. During her years at South Pasadena Unified, she became known for her engaging approach to history instruction, drawing inspiration from colonial Williamsburg. She spent many summers in Williamsburg studying, and contributing to historical projects. Her work earned recognition from Colonial Williamsburg, but her greatest achievement was bringing history to life for her students. Families across the district admired her dedication, and students consistently praised her warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Julia Arrott Harrington (Jessi Allen) of Livermore, California; her mother; and her former husband, Brooks Harrington of Pasadena. She also leaves behind her brother Edward Arrott Goodrich Jr. of San Diego, her sister-in-law Mary Ann Goodrich, and her nieces Jenna (Arnold) Castro and Sarah Goodrich. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Hall Goodrich, in 1985. Virginia bravely faced frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in her later years.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at:
Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery Northeast
3700 River Blvd
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Father Karl Dietz of Trinity Anglican Church will officiate.
To honor Virginia’s memory, flowers may be sent to the family or a tree may be planted in her name. Please visit the Green Lawn Mortuary and Cemetery floral store for details.
