Obituary of Marjorie Goodfellow

Ruth will be sadly missed by her husband Gordon; three daughters: Margaret and Jack Westwood of Battleford, Sharon and Dave Routley of Winnipeg, Cathleen and Shawn Wright of Orleans, ON; three sons: Jerry and Claire Goodfellow of St. George's, MN, Robert Goodfellow of Neilburg, Doug and Sharon Goodfellow of Neilburg; daughter-in-law Wenday and Brent Porteous of Edmonton; thirteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one sister Rose Livingston of Edmonton. Marjorie Ruth Goodfellow I would like to try and Paint a Word Picture of our Mom for you. Mom was born to Alberta & Lloyd E Wood in their family home @11308 126 St, Edmonton, AB She was the fifth child in a family of eight children. (6 girls and 2 boys). She was predeceased by her parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters: 2 sons: James Gordon, Donald Charles (40yrs):1 granddaughter: Barbara Lynn She was active in sports-badminton, swimming, horseshoes softball (1937 North Edmonton Junior Softball Champs). Later in life she enjoyed, bowling; winning many trophies. In swimming she excelled and earned her lifeguard medal. She loved the water as the family spent every summer at Seba Beach. She tells stories of the 60mile trip to the cottage as soon as school was out. Everyone piled into the car. It was double-decker seating in the back seat and she says No-one wanted her to sit on their lap because she had a boney bum! In those days there were many flat tires. Can you imagine with the car loaded with 8 kids and a trunk full of food and supplies what it might be like when her Dad had to change a tire. They were not allowed outside at this time, because they might Hear the swearing. Of course the windows were sound proof! She graduated from high school and went to work at Jasper Park Lodge and loved it. Later she worked at Aircraft Repair where she met a curly red headed farm boy. Gordon was a young airman. She noticed him at a dance but he was dancing with other girls so when he went by She tripped him. She was determined and quite forward. I think he was smart because He asked her to dance. A romance budded and grew while they walked or rode the streetcars of Edmonton. After Dad asked for her parents permission they were married December 4, 1942 in the house where she was born. Mom very courageous! She came into Dad's family as the 9th girl! .He had 8 sisters. That was courage! I was born the next year and then children kept coming for 22 years. There were 8 of us. Mom adapted to us and all the events that faced her. Dad was sent to Shepherd AB for training. James passed away at 3 months of age. Then Dad was sent overseas to Britain. We all rode the train to Halifax to see Dad off. .After the war was over they bought the farm and the City girl became a Farm girl. The trip was made to the farm in winter in a cutter pulled by horses from Lashburn, 17 miles. They lived upstairs in the farm house till spring and had to put out a chimney fire. The City girl learned all about cattle, chickens, growing and canning your own food .She also had to learn how to raise your family in the country 12 miles from town or a hospital. She kept an eye on us playing in the sheaves as she rode the Binder. In 1951 Dad was asked to return to the Air force for 5 years. Mom & Dad decided it was something they would do as a family and she took all the moves and changes in stride. We were transferred to Edmonton, Calgary, Penhold, Cold Lake and St Hubert, Quebec. Dad was sent on training courses and Mom managed to support both us and Dad through these many moves and changes. The kids kept coming. Mom was a kind, gentle but firm woman who faced life and made it all work. She was generous and unconditional in her love for us and all others that needed it She worked hard to become a lifeguard and used the knowledge and skill years later to prevent tragedy and save a girl from drowning in the Battle River. No one came to her home without being given a drink, snack or a full meal. She was a quiet, strong, faithful, courageous, persistent women who loved to beat you at cards or chickenfoot dominoes. She taught us to do whatever was needed as everyone was expected to do their share. Now we call it teamwork but then we dug in and did it because it was the example set by Mom & Dad . It was the way of life.. That way of life gave Mom pretty good biceps. One day Donnie & Doug were checking Jack's Biceps and told him that" You have pretty good muscles. They are almost as good as Mom's and "That's something to be proud of!" That comment made Mom smile and if you looked at her smile it lit up her whole face all her life. It Was Special! Mom always tried to look after others- especially family and she was always grateful for all the care she was given. Although, she really didn't like nurses much. She also didn't like oatmeal or red toenails. As a child she was in the hospital under quarantine with Her sister Winner and her brother Jim. The nurse insisted she eat her porridge. Mom told her she couldn't eat porridge. The nurse insisted but Mom gave it all back to her. The nurse let Winner look after mom after that. Mom said -" I only did what Winner said not the Nurse!!" Mom also gave the local Emergency nurses a run for their Money a year ago. They lasted only 20 minutes after Dad & I left - so we went back and rescued the nursing staff. When they retired to Lloyd - she set dad straight when he bought a new self propelled mower which took off on her and ran into the apple tree. " You take that back where you got it and get a better one." And He Did! In their retirement they also enjoyed many winters in Texas and Mesa, Arizona. As her health faded Mom always wanted to do her share. She felt better helping and being a part of preparing meals and helping with chores On Mom's last day she did what she did best." Look after her Family" She even hustled the pharmacist to hurry up and get those pills for Dad right away because he needed them so he could go and get a bowl of soup into him after having his tooth pulled. Thanks Mom for Being you!. Mom & Dad had a very great achievement together creating a Life Time of Love Almost 67 years married! This past December Mom & Dad celebrated their 66 Wedding Anniversary. This year they were busy!. They went to Ottawa to see Cathy and her family. They attended Two Family Weddings, Marilyn & Gord's and two weeks later Scott & Sandy's. They also visited Manitoba with Sharon's family and had several Boat rides with Jerry & Claire. Today were are very fortunate to have Auntie Rose (Mom's sister) share this special day with us. You always felt Mom supported you in your endeavors whether collecting rocks or frogs, tackling school work or any of life's problems. She was there for you! She was our anchor, Our support! She had many talents: bookkeeping, baking, ceramics, knitting & crocheting. Her Best Talent was handling us! She could manage all of us with our various idiosyncrasies! She instinctively knew whether you needed an ear, or a wise suggestion, a pat on the back, a hug or a cookie or band-aid. Wife Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Good Friend You could count on her no matter what! She was not famous or perfect but she was rich in spirit- knowing what was right or what was needed and then doing just that! Thanks Mom Donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice.