Jalacea “Lacey” E. Goodman

Jalacea “Lacey” Goodman, age 20 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 1st, at UW hospital in Madison WI. She was born on July 14th, 2005 at only 23 weeks. Lacey will always be known for the sparkle in her eyes, her infectious smile, laugh and her willingness to help and please others.

A Memorial Gathering for Lacey will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville. A Celebration of Lacey’s life will take place around Lacey’s birthday in July 2026.

Despite being born at only 23 weeks along, she was a very strong willed and determined little girl. At age 3, she was able to have her tracheotomy tube removed. Due to keloids on her neck, her trach scar looked like a butterfly. Since then, she has always been known as our little butterfly.

She was such a silly little girl, she would have dance parties w her cousins in the middle of the night, drag her older brother inside a suitcase around the house, and pour pancake mix on the living room floor and her brother just because she was hungry.

Lacey loved everyone and accepted everyone for who they were. Lacey flourished in the care of Rayan Caring House in Madison WI. Not only was she family to the staff but they were her family too. Even after death, Lacey is still helping others by giving gifts of life throughout the country.

Lacey is survived by her parents Nick and Jessica (Dent) Goodman, her brothers Jaylen and Breon Goodman, her grand parents Tim and Judy Goodman, Peggy and Jess Keller, Julie Stewart, Rick and Lori Dent along with many aunts, uncles cousins and friends.

The family would like to personally thank Rayan Caring House and staff for all the love, dedication and support they provided to Lacey. Staff at UW Madison ICU, staff within the Donate Life program (especially Kayla and Kat) at UW Madison and all the other case managers, therapists, doctors, friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to assist with funeral expenses. Contributions may be sent to Nick and Jessica Goodman or given at the service. Monetary donations may also be made to Donatelife.net in memory of Lacey.

Lacey will forever be our little girl/forever our little butterfly. But now it’s time to rest sweetheart and know that you’re loved always and forever.