Marcene S Goldman

Marcene Salsburg Goldman was born on June 24, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Goldie and Adolph Salsburg. After losing her mother at the age of thirteen, she showed remarkable resilience and determination, qualities that defined her throughout her life.

Marcene attended The Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in Bacteriology and Chemistry. It was there that she met the love of her life, Alan (Al) Goldman, a fellow student and decorated World War II veteran. They married in 1949.

In 1952, encouraged by her father who had settled in Houston, Marcene and Al moved to Texas in search of new opportunities. That same year, she broke barriers as the first professional woman hired at Texaco’s Research facility in Bellaire. As a research chemist, she earned a patent for her pioneering work on preventing wax deposits in pipelines—an innovation of vital importance to the oil industry. She accomplished this while raising four children and supporting Al in his small business. Later in her career, she established and directed the Texaco Research Library, a position she held with distinction until her retirement in 1991.

In retirement, Marcene cherished traveling with Al and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She and Alan shared sixty-four wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2013.

A woman of deep faith, she was devoted to her Jewish heritage and instilled its traditions and values in her family. She lived her life guided by honesty, conviction, and a steadfast belief in democratic ideals.

Marcene passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 97. She is survived by her children—Gayle Goldman, Cathy Goldman Chacko and her husband Soman, David Goldman, and Virginia (Ginger) Goldman—along with her grandchildren, Benjamin Goldman and Skylar Goldman.

She will be remembered for her strength of character, her love of science, her devotion to family, and her unwavering support throughout their lives.

We would also like to express our appreciation to Erin Donaho, ARNP, of Accentcare Hospice who was with us every step of the way managing her medical care first as a palliative care provider and later as hospice care attending. Their team brought comfort to Marcene over 5 years.

The family would like to give special thanks to her caregiver and friend, Jennifer Smith along with: Jennifer Clemons, Takeesha Taylor, and Happiness Uchendu who each brought loving care to our mother.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Marcene Goldman, a 50-year cancer survivor, may be made to: MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston TX 77210-4486; or MDAnderson.org/Gifts.