Former Lower Merion Commissioner Dies at 71

Former Lower Merion Commissioner Felice Goodwin Wiener died on June 26 from complications due to ALS, a chronic condition often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Former Lower Merion Commissioner Felice Goodwin Wiener died on June 26 from complications due to ALS, a chronic condition often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was 71.

Wiener’s mother died of ALS 40 years ago, which prompted her to found the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Foundation. She was its first president and remained on its board of directors until her death.

Well-known in Democratic circles, Wiener began her political career as a ward committeeperson, then served five years as co-chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Party. She served eight years as a Lower Merion commissioner.

In addition to serving as commissioner, Wiener played an active role in the community.

“I have always believed that giving back to the community through my volunteer work is a very important part of my personal code,” she said in a 2013 profile in the Jewish Exponent.

Wiener served as both board chair and president of the volunteer Rittenhouse Square Committee, which programs lecture luncheons to benefit the Philadelphia Orchestra. She worked with the committee for more than 40 years.

“Music has always been an integral part of my life,” Wiener said in the profile, which noted that she learned to play piano as a child.

At various times, Wiener was a member of the Social Action Committee of the Union for Reform Judaism and was an active member of the Maternity Care Coalition, where, early in its history, she served as chair for its Early Head Start board. She served on the boards of the Penn Wynne Library, the Elder Craftsmen and Elder Care of Lower Merion. She also was president of the Mother’s Association at Baldwin School.

A native of Worcester, Mass., Wiener grew up in Providence, R.I., and was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island.

Wiener is survived by her husband, Tom; their four children, Gary Wiener, Debbie Eggleston, Allison Goodwin and Todd Goodwin; and three grandchildren, Hannah Eggleston, Eli Eggleston and Harrison Goodwin.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Foundation, Main Line Reform Temple or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Contact: [email protected]; 215-832-0797.