Dr. Beatrice Goodwin Adkins
Beatrice Goodwin Adkins died at York Care Centre in Fredericton, N.B., May 31, 2015. She was born in Baie Verte, N.B., November 29, 1914, to Roby Norman Goodwin and Belle Dobson Goodwin.
Bea is survived by her step children: Sarah Macfarlane Wilbur (the late Dr. C. Keith Wilbur and Robert Macfarlane), Dr. Winthrop (Caroline) Adkins, Dr. Douglas (Rapee) Adkins; her sister-in-law Glenna Gardiner Goodwin (the late Gerald); her nieces Diane Taylor Myles (David), Joan Taylor-Lamrock (Arthur), Heather Taylor White and her nephews Ian Taylor (Dawn), Al Goodwin (Diane) and Wendell Goodwin (Dorothy) and their children, grand and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Leslie John Adkins, stepdaughter Beverley Adkins Wells, brother Gerald Goodwin (Glenna) and sister Elizabeth Taylor (the late Kenneth).
As a 6th generation descendant of Daniel Goodwin, she was a passionate genealogy and history enthusiast. Goodwin was a soldier in the British Army in 1750s Nova Scotia. Two of his sons served the 104th New Brunswick Regiment marching from Fredericton to Quebec in the War of 1812.
Following graduation from Port Elgin Superior School, Bea received her Bachelor of Arts, First Class Honours (English and French) in 1934 from the University of New Brunswick. She taught school in Port Elgin. Her Grammar School Licence dated July 1, 1934 issued by the Board of Education for the Province of New Brunswick was “granted in conformity with the provisions of our published Regulations, as a person of temperate habits and good moral character and as qualified professionally.” Bea worked in Ottawa during World War II. Although not considered a veteran, she quickly advanced from the typing pool to become secretary to a deputy minister in the Department of Munitions and Supply under the watch of Hon. C.D. Howe.
She obtained her MA and PhD in Psychology (1960) from Columbia University. As a Licensed Psychologist, she was a member of the American Psychological Association and a member of the New York State Psychological Association. She practiced in New York City for over fifty years as a Psychotherapist, Child Psychologist and Marriage Counselor. In the years following WWII, the field of psychology experienced a period of rapid advancement as new specialties were established, new leaders emerged and new methods developed. New York City, particularly Columbia University, was a centre of academic excellence. Bea’s husband Dr. Leslie John Adkins was an active participant and leader. Together they worked on certification of psychologists, strengthening cognitive psychology, therapeutic use of hypnosis, and the applications of group counseling. Not only were they marital partners and personal friends, they were professional colleagues who derived considerable satisfaction from their work together. In her practice, Dr. Beatrice Adkins developed a reputation as a warm, personable, thoughtful healer. She listened, cared and provided comfort and insight to people dealing with difficult conflicts, complex relationships and unclear goals. For many patients, she was part of a life-long support system giving love, guidance and genuine friendship.Bea’s annual sojourns to Baie Verte, the place of her birth, her love for family near and far, her relentless study of literature and the arts, her optimistic view of the world, and her sense of humour carried her through 100 years. Hers was a life well lived. She was loved by all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at 10.30 a.m. at Wilmot United Church. Rev. Ellen Beairsto will officiate. Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Tidnish, Nova Scotia, at a later date. www.mcadamsfh.com