Obituary
Barbara Anne (Johnston) Godwin unexpectedly passed away peacefully in the loving presence of her family on December 16, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on March 16, 1943 in Saint John, NB, she was the daughter of the late James T and Mabel L (Ferrie) Johnston.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband Douglas of 55 years, five children: Krista McKnight, Larry (Sharon) Godwin, Candace Nice, David (Alisha) Godwin and Christopher (Stephanie) Godwin, eight grandchildren: Joshua Godwin (his mother Tammy Connors), Natasha and Chantal McKnight (their father Rick McKnight), Ethan and Hayley Godwin (their mother Amy Godwin) who were under her care, Jillian Nice (her father Jonathan Nice), Olivia Godwin and Luke Godwin, brother Joey Johnston, sister Patricia Johnston, sisters-in-law Patsy (Costello) Johnston and Judy (Godwin) Hayward, nieces Sandra (Darcy) Taylor and Pamela Hayward, nephews Jason (Christina) Hayward, Shawn Hayward, Heath Johnston, Dennis (Tara) Johnston, Dr. Jesse (Lauren) Johnston, and lifelong friend Phyllis (Hall) Landry. She was predeceased by her parents, and brothers Dr. James (Jimmy) Johnston and Joel Johnston, grandson Mathew Godwin, and her friend Shirley Mawhinney.
After graduating from Saint John Vocational School, Barbara went on to become a nurse, graduating in 1964 from Saint John General Hospital School of Nursing. She devoted herself in every way to raising her five children and played a role in helping to raise her grandchildren. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years and proudly served her community.
She had a way of seeing the wonder and silver lining in all situations. She loved crafts, was an avid knitter and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, woodworking and gardening. She was able to create something special for others from the smallest of things, like a blade of grass, a string, a piece of paper.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great aunt and sister. She gave her all in caring for her family and friends. She treated everyone fairly and openly and had a way of making every person in her life feel like they were the most important. She also had a special place in her heart for her dogs, including Susie and Franchesca.
She loved collecting her thoughts over her large mug of tea (or two) before starting her early day. Rainy days were opportunities to take time for herself. Those who had the chance to sit with her during those times, got to share the sense of calm and peace they brought her. She generously shared her love for life, warm heart, wittiness and beautiful smile. She was forgiving, patient and laughed every day. She was the first to encourage us to anchor ourselves in normalcy in difficult times. She usually ended a visit or call with “I love you”. She encouraged us to be who we are, to follow our dreams, our hearts, to believe in ourselves, to always look for the good in others and to look out for each other.
She had a thirst for knowledge, was excited to share when she “learned a new word today!” and would often look things up in her collection of encyclopedias, before the internet came along. She did her best to keep up with technology. She also had a knack for finding the best deals and bargains in town and also in flea markets and yard sales.
Barbara was an unbelievable lady, an upstanding role model, a true light and most of all, our best friend. Even though she has left this world, she will forever live on in the hearts of all those who knew her. She is and always will be greatly missed.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John (646-2424). Although there will be no visitation, a graveside service will be held at Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery on Monday, December 28th at 2 p.m. Those wishing to attend must call the funeral home (646-2424) to RSVP.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara A. Godwin, please visit our floral store.
March 16 1943 December 16 2020 (age 77)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Barbara A Godwin March 16 1943 December 16 2020 (age 77)..
Décès pour la Ville: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick