Tribute

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gwendoline Mary Stratton Goodey.  Gwen was born August 12, 1920 in Alton, Hampshire, England and peacefully passed away on September 8 in the Chilliwack General Hospital, Chilliwack, BC from complications of a fall.  She was the daughter of Leo Leonard Stratton and Edith Jane Trimmer (both deceased) and was predeceased by three siblings (Mick, Ted and Pat) and two half-siblings Dorothy and Peter.  Gwen was also predeceased by her husband CWO Charles Wilfred (Butch) Goodey on July 28, 1989 and stepson Lewellyn (Bud) Goodey. Gwen is survived by son Michael (Donna), two grandchildren Candice (Dean) Mikkelsen, and Tara (Chris) Sudermann and great grandson Nicholas Sudermann and also by son Gordon, two grandchildren Dean and Chandra (Adam) Cosby and great grandchildren Beckett and Lillian.  She is also survived by Bud Goodey’s children Barbara (Al) Cunningham, Loyal (Colleen) Goodey, Brenda (Jim) McKinney and Geneva (Martin) Reynen and their children and grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families in Canada, England and Australia will remember her with fond memories.  Gwen was very proud of being a ‘war bride’ and crossed the Atlantic on the medical ship, the Isles de France arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax after a harrowing crossing with her two young sons in 1944. They arrived in Cultus Lake and later were the first family to occupy PMQs in Camp Chilliwack in 1945.   After  many postings across Canada and back, they retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and stayed in Chilliwack in 1965.  Gwen and Butch enjoyed many years of camping and travelling during their retirement years.  Gwen was very involved in her communities throughout the years.  In Camp Chilliwack she was instrumental in establishing a Sunday School, and was involved in Cubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Teen Town and School PTA.  She belonged to St. John’s Church, All Sappers’ Chapel and Carmen United throughout her life and sang in their choirs and helped with food preparation and flowers.  Gwen belonged to many organizations throughout her life and was a Life Member of the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary, receiving her 50 year pin in March 2015; and a Life Member of both the BC Association of Health Care Auxiliaries and CFB Historical Society. She belonged to the FSNA organization and The Retired Sappers Association as well as being honoured by the Chilliwack Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award.  When not volunteering, Gwen enjoyed visiting the local casinos with family and friends and loved Purdy’s chocolate covered ginger.

On August 12 Gwen enjoyed a wonderful 95th birthday with 35 of her friends and family.  It was a very hot day but everyone attended and made it very special for her and she really appreciated that they came.  It was a very nice time for everyone.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 10:30 AM at Carman United Church, 7258 Vedder Road, Sardis, BC. In keeping with her character of ‘helping others’,  in lieu of flowers please consider donations to Operation Smile – Canada, PO Box 247 Stn Main, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2G9 or www.operationsmile.ca/transform or donations can also be made to the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary, Box 2301 Sardis Stn Main, Chilliwack, BC V2R 1A7.