In the quiet moments, when the world is still, your memory will bloom like a wildflower on a hill
Obituary
Tresa Wilbee Goodfellow, born on January 19, 1954, in Wheaton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on
February 15, 2025, in Bellevue, Washington.
Tresa was the beloved daughter of Victor “Roy” Wilbee and Shirley Elizabeth "Betty" Wilbee, who preceded her in death, along with her sister, Heather Wilbee. She is survived and missed by Bruce Wiggins, her loving life partner of 50 years; daughter, Erica Williams and husband, Evan Williams; daughter, Celena Rasberry and husband, John Rasberry; grandchildren: Blakely Williams, Brayden Williams, Ella Rasberry, and Aria Rasberry; and siblings Linda Wilbee, Brenda Wilbee and Tim Wilbee.
Tresa's life demonstrated her profound dedication to the well-being of others. She devoted over 40 years of her life to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, where she made a significant impact on countless individuals and families. Her academic journey led her to earn a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 1985. Throughout her esteemed career, she held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the Association President for the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT) in 2004-2005 and again in 2018. Her commitment extended to the national level, where she served on the Board of Directors for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) from 2014-2016 and again from 2021-2023. Her outstanding contributions were recognized with several honors, including Volunteer of the Year from WAMFT in 2005 and 2019, from AAMFT in 2018, and named a WAMFT Distinguished Clinical Fellow in 2015.
In addition to her professional achievements, Tresa was known for her vibrant spirit and keen sense of humor. She cherished her family, friends, and experiencing life's adventures to the fullest. Tresa embraced her hobbies with enthusiasm, particularly her deep love of the outdoors. Whether tending to her garden, building sandcastles and playing on the beach, camping with family, or simply enjoying a long walk, she found immense peace in nature. Always eager for a challenge, Tresa developed a wide range of skills and hobbies, including masterful sewing and baking, expertise in puzzles and board games, and the detailed production of Christmas pageants. As the life of the party, she fostered a profound sense of community, always seeking to bring people together. Tresa held meaningful connections in high regard, valuing friends, family, and traditions above all.
Tresa's spirituality deeply informed her care for others, and she was committed to making a positive difference in the lives of her family, friends, and clients. Her legacy as a peacemaker and advocate for kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Tresa Wilbee Goodfellow's memorial service will be held privately in the Spring.
May we honor her memory by carrying forth her legacy of compassion, laughter, dedication, and love.
Dear friends and family,
As we prepare to honor and remember the life of Tresa (Tess) Goodfellow, we are creating a memorial program that will include written tributes from those who knew and loved her.
If you feel moved to contribute, you are warmly invited to share a memory, a tribute, a favorite saying or verse, a wish for her spirit, or anything else that speaks to your heart. There’s no pressure—only if you wish to participate.
Please email your contribution in a word document or in the body of an email to her daughter, Erica Williams, at erica.w.williams122@gmail.com by May 9th so we can make sure it’s included in the program.
Feel free to forward this message to anyone who may want to contribute as well.
Thank you for being part of celebrating Tresa’s life and spirit.
Timeline
Masters Degree: Marriage and Family Therapy
Gallery
Memory wall
Please join us in celebrating her life by sharing any words, memories, or pictures, thereby spreading the light she brought to each of our lives
Jenni Rasberry
treasure. From celebrating Thanksgiving in her lovely home to John Robert and Celena’s engagement party.. to baking and decorating the chocolate cakes for their wedding in Tresa’s lovely kitchen.
One special moment was when she asked me why I wasn’t singing at the wedding. I humorously remarked.. “I’m the Mother of the groom and that’s fine with me!” She was disappointed, which I thought was so kind of her. At the rehearsal dinner, I sang a very short version of the Irish Blessing, and when I had finished, Tresa got up from her place and came over to me with tears in her eyes and said,” Thank you”. I will forever remember the love and appreciation she showed to me not only that day, but every time I had the opportunity to be around her.
I marvel at her bravery on this journey of illness.
We had some tender, honest conversations of all she was facing. I promised her I would continue to pray for her to have peace and strength. I will miss her when I travel to Seattle. As I told Celena, God gave Ella those beautiful blue eyes so Celena would always remember her mother’s gorgeous blue eyes. A sweet gift from our Heavenly Father. May the Lord shower His peace and strength now upon her family as they reconcile her death into their lives.
My love and prayers always,
Jenni
Mom
Mimi❤️
I eventually said YES and she forwarded my name to AAMFT’s leadership recruitment committee to be on the ballot. Though I didn’t win that first election, I met Tresa in person at an AAMFT event not long after. She encouraged me to try again. I took her words to heart, ran a second time and got elected. Today, I serve on the AAMFT Board of Directors because Tresa believed in me before I fully believed in myself. She saw my passion and potential from a distance and brought a far-off dream right into my backyard.
They say some people help us dream, and others help us realize those dreams. Tresa was that rare person who did both. Her gift for seeing others and uplifting them is a legacy that will live on in the countless lives she touched. What a profound loss for our field, for her family and friends, and for all of us privileged to be guided by her light.
Rest well, Tresa. Your spirit and kindness will forever live in my heart.
Family tree
Wilbee
[Life Partner]
[Daughter]
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[Son in-law]
[Son in-law]
[Life Partner]
[Daughter]
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Memorial Service
In Tresa's Memory
Memorial contributions may be directed to:
UNICEF Conflict and humanitarian crisis for children in Ukraine: http://tiny.cc/UNICEF_Ukraine
