With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Esmeralda “Esmie” Goodell, who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 80. Born in Brownsville, Texas, on July 26, 1945, Esmie built a life rooted in faith, family, and love. Together with her devoted husband, Lester, she raised six daughters and created a home filled with laughter, strength, and unwavering care. Esmie was a strong, kind, and loving woman whose warm smile and gentle presence could brighten any room she entered.
Esmie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved dancing, attending church, and sharing lunches with her sisters after Friday services. She cherished road trips to the casino with her husband, playing bingo, and attending lively game nights with her family. A proud and devoted grandmother, Esmie never missed a sporting event and was her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader—their number one fan. Above all else, her family was her greatest joy and her life’s true purpose.
Esmie was preceded in death by her parents, Josepha B. Lara† and Magdaleno Lara Sr.†; her beloved daughter, Carrie Lynn Garcia Goodell†; her brothers, Mac Lara† (survived by his wife Rosie) and Hector Lara† (survived by his wife Ester); and her sister, Cynthia Lara†.
She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Lester Goodell. She also leaves behind her siblings: Lourdes (Neal†) Simmons, Blanca (Frank) Fernandez, Andy (Rosie) Lara, Rosario (Frank†) Burnias, Margie (Karl) Oakley, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Agustin (Josephina) Lara, Ricardo (Belinda) Lara, Dora (Mike) Bernal, and Lourdes (Albino) Carrasco. She is also survived by her daughters: Cassandra Lee (Bobby) Goodell, Jacqueline (Felix) Goodell Guerra, Lori Ann Goodell (Thomas†) Cooper, Leslie (Ricardo) Goodell Ortiz, and Kimberly Goodell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Esmie was a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren: Adrian Ortiz, Daniel Guerra, Eli Guerra, Ann Marie Ortiz, Hannah Gagnon, Jenny Blundell, Taylor Garcia, Marissa Guerra, Kristy Blundell, Nathan Garcia, Adam Ortiz, Kaylie Garcia, Makayla Garcia, and Levi Higgins, as well as six great-grandchildren whom she adored deeply.
A mass will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Lord of Divine Mercy. Visitation will follow from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Esmie’s legacy of love, devotion, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485
To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Mrs. Esmeralda Goodell, please visit Shalom Sympathy Florals at Sunset Memorial, place your order online at https://shalomflorals.com/shop or call (956) 572-3872.
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