Obituary for
Jane Grace Goddard (Bennett)
GODDARD, Jane Grace Bennett, U.E., A.R.C.T. – Passed away peacefully at Extendicare
Port Hope at the age of 89 on October 21, 2018. Jane Goddard was born in Toronto on
March 4, 1929, to Grace Winnifred Maidens and David Leonard Bennett. She grew up in
Belleville and Toronto, then lived in Newcastle during her early adult life. Jane studied
piano, receiving her ARCT (The Associate of the Royal Conservatory) diploma, then went on
to receive her degree as Soloist Artist from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music, in
affiliation with the Royal Conservatory of Music. While studying music in Toronto, she met
her husband, Morse Goddard, also a music enthusiast. Jane’s interest in music continued
throughout her life. She and Morse, along with other musical friends, founded the Oriana
Singers in Cobourg, which still exists today. Jane and Morse were married at St. Peter’s
Church in Cobourg on May 31, 1958. The couple welcomed Beth Caroline in 1960 and
Rebecca Grace Anne in 1963, whereupon the family moved from Don Mills to Apsley for
Morse to fulfill his role as an Anglican minister at the Apsley parish. In 1965 Jane moved
back to Newcastle with her family where she taught piano lessons and opened an antique
shop out of one room in their house. The antique business was to become a life-long
venture which continued in Grafton in 1968, with Morse later joining her in the business.
Together they operated Spaulding’s Inn Antiques until 2003, when Morse passed away at
age 73. During the majority of Jane’s life, local and family history was a passion, a flame
that was passed down from her mother. From years of research and family notes, and as a
descendant of a United Empire Loyalist, Jane wrote and privately published « Hans
Waltimeyer », a voluminous book on the life and military career of her direct ancestor, Captain
John Walden Meyers, who was a spy for the British during the American Revolution and
later founded Belleville. Wanting to make sure that everyone in the family knew who and
where they came from, Jane created 10 massive Family Trees covering all ancestral ties, for
which her family will be forever grateful. Later in life, Jane endeavoured to write a biography
about Morse’s father, Captain Leonard Morse Goddard and his life at sea, however, the
onset of dementia prohibited its completion. Jane was the proverbial entrepreneur and loved
working with her hands to create, be it making beeswax candles, caning chair seats, braiding
rugs or making jewellery. She loved attending auctions, playing cards and board games,
singing, telling family stories and gnawing on a good turkey leg. She taught strong family
values and compassion for others. Nothing in life was an obstacle and she made the best of
everything. Jane is survived and will be dearly missed by her daughters Beth Goddard and
Rebecca Goddard; her grandchildren Christian McDonald (Hilary), Olivia Bowman, Rachel
Bowman and Justine Walker; her great-grandson Nolan McDonald; and long-time family
friend Susan Lowman. She will also be missed by Chris Bowman, John Rainbird, Glenn
McDonald, Ray Cobbing and other family and friends. Predeceased by husband Morse
Minet Anson-Cartwright Goddard, sister Joan St. Albans Bennett and brother Paul David
Bennett. Cremation has taken place. Burial to take place in the Spring. Remembrances
and condolences may be made online at www.quintecremationservices.com. Please
leave email address at this site to be contacted for future arrangements.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jane Grace
Goddard Bennett 1929 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Belleville, Province: Ontario
