GOODWIN, Florence Shirley – 84, of Pembroke Shore, Yarmouth County, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother peacefully passed away on February 20, 2021 at Yarmouth Regional Hospital. She is survived by daughters, Heather Hatfield, Crystal (Peter) Hilton, Shelley Goodwin (Jeff Mason); grandchildren, Nicholas Hilton (Kim Muise), Andrew Hilton (Jessica Lambert), Megan Hatfield (Geoff MacDonald), and Keltie Hatfield (Jeff Bain), and great-granddaughters Anya d’Entremont, Paige and Quinn Hilton and nieces; Linda Wagner, Judy Karasch, and Joan Lester. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years Staley Goodwin (2010), her sister Margaret and brother-in-law Vernon Klemp, son-in-law Rick Doucette, grandchild MacKenzie. She was born Aug 16, 1936 in Yarmouth, to Adelbert and Alice (Durkee) Bain and lived almost her entire life in her beloved community of Pembroke.
Florence was employed early on at, the Telephone Office, the Unemployment Insurance office, Canada Post, and later at Yarmouth Hospital on the switchboard and then in Medical Records. She worked in many elections, and as a Census worker and was diligent and dedicated in all her roles.
She was a lifelong volunteer. A supporter of 4-H, Pembroke Cemetery, VON Breakaway program, and the Hospital Giftshop. A long-time member of TOPS group. She made many cherished friendships along the way. She took great pride and gave the same dedication as a volunteer as she would in a paid position. It was always about the people.
In her mid decades she put many miles on her bicycle, in all kinds of weather, earning her the nickname “the postman”.
She enjoyed attending Municipal Council functions with Staley, thru his years as a Councillor. They enjoyed square dancing and the Pembroke Bayshore Senior’s group. Mom travelled widely and delighted in the adventure of seeing and experiencing new cultures. Her interest was always in seeing how ordinary people lived, not the cathedrals. In 1985 and 1995, she and Staley (WWII veteran) travelled to Holland and participated in Liberation Anniversary events, re-connecting with a family dad had helped during the Liberation, and making new life-long friends.
Although she lived without internet, Facebook, or cable TV (“who has time for that”), she always knew the latest news… by talking to people. Her landline sizzled from use, with a long cord so she could continue working in her kitchen. Always abreast of current affairs, by scouring her cherished daily Chronicle Herald, listening to CBC radio, and catching the ATV news via rabbit ears aerial.
She enjoyed playing mah-jong, the weekly crossword, lexicon, card games with friends, and studying a well written obituary.
She loved her turtlenecks, hoop earrings, and shopping at the Tabi store. She savored her ice water, and lobster, especially if creamed. She was both frugal and generous. She relished a good deal. She was a proponent of education and was proud of her daughters. and grandchildren’s achievements.
She was known to be a great conversationalist, no one ever had to worry about a void in the conversation! She shared her wit and enjoyed the smile on other’s faces. She cherished her independence and up to a few months ago, could be found pulling weeds, trimming shrubs, or touching up the paint on her house.
The family would like to thank her neighbours who helped her stay in her own home and the physicians, hospital and Villa St Joseph Du Lac- Sarah Corning staff for the compassionate care given Florence. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Yarmouth. Family only service will be held on Wednesday February 24, 2021 at 11 A.M. with Dr. Shawn Kehoe officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Pembroke Cemetery. This service will be broadcast live from Sweeny’s Funeral Home Website. Donations in memory can be made to the Yarmouth VON (www.von.ca/en/site/tricounty) or do a kind deed in her memory. On- line condolences can be sent to: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guest book online at www.sweenysfuneralhome.net
“I want to live, only If I can live.
“We are all in this together.”
Read Less
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Florence Shirley Goodwin, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Florence Shirley Goodwin Saturday February 20th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: YARMOUTH, Province: Nova Scotia