MARY GOODMAN

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MARY GOODMAN Peacefully, on May 6, 2011 at the Red River Personal Care Home in Selkirk, MB, our Mom and Nan passed away with her family by her side. Mary was predeceased by her husband Jim, daughter Pam, son Ted, and daughter-in-law Cathy. She is survived by her daughter Debby, son-in-law Howard, grandchildren Cheryl (Denning), Lisa (Dave), Jim (Smag), Tara (David), and Pam; and her great-grandchildren Kate, Kat, and Alexia. Nan was born August 11, 1924 in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England. It was here that she met her husband Jim, the love of her life, while he was on leave during the Second World War. They were married in 1945 after the war ended. In 1946, Nan boarded the Empire Brent along with her new daughter Pam, to come to Canada. She arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax with hundreds of other war brides, and continued from here by train to Selkirk. Although it was a big adjustment and she was homesick for a period of time, Nan settled in quickly to her new life in Canada thanks to her husband's family who was caring and supportive. Nan's sisters-in-law quickly became and remained her best friends. After the birth of her third child Debby, Nan began her career as a cook at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre. She worked there many years, formed many friendships, and had many interesting stories that she enjoyed sharing with her grandchildren. She would often comment that they worked hard but had lots of fun. When Nan wasn't working, she enjoyed knitting, cooking and baking for her family. She also enjoyed traveling and was fortunate enough to return to England many times. Her last trip was in 2003 when she had an opportunity to go with her two granddaughters, Pam and Tara. Nan was very proud of the fact that she was a war bride, and participated in various events honouring them. Of all her hobbies and interests what brought Nan considerable joy in her life was spending time with her grandchildren. When her granddaughter Cheryl moved to Vancouver, they continued to talk on the phone every Sunday for the next 30 years. Nan was very generous and provided for her grandchildren in many ways; our lives will not be the same without our Mom and Nan, she was an important and influential part of our lives and she is and will always be dearly missed. Following cremation there will be a private interment where she will be lovingly placed beside her husband Jim and son Ted. Many thanks to the staff at Red River Personal Care Home, especially Cindy, Joanne, Beata, Denise, and Dr. Lindenschmidt who went above and beyond their duties, and treated Nan like family. Due to Mary's love of animals, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2011