Catherine Anne Godwin
Born In: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: October 2nd, 1940
Passed in: Dominion, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: January 29th, 2010
With deep regret, we announce that Catherine Godwin has lost her long and hard-fought battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully in the presence of family and friends on Jan. 29, 2010, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Catherine was born in Halifax, N.S., Oct. 2, 1940, the daughter of the late Anne (MacKinnon) Godwin and the late John Edward Godwin.
Her early years were spent in Bedford, N.S., but after the death of her father in 1947, she and her mother relocated to Dominion.
In 1957 Catherine graduated from MacDonald High School and went on to obtain her BSc in home economics from Mount St. Vincent College, completing her dietetic internship at the Halifax Infirmary in 1962. Patients at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, Maple Hill Manor, Seaview Manor, and MacGillivray Guest Home received her expertise in dietary matters as well as her genuine care and concern for their general health and welfare. Catherine was a founding member of both the Cape Breton Branch and the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Diabetes Association. In 1981 she received the Nova Scotia Dietetics Association's Merit Award in recognition of her contribution to the profession of dietetics.
Catherine was a person of many talents. Her skill at research and organization and her love of writing led her to compile and publish many books including a centennial history of the parish of Immaculate Conception; a 25-year history of the Cape Breton Chorale; a beautiful biography of her mother; and the genealogies of three branches of her family tree: the MacKinnons, the Browners and the Godwins.
As a faithful member of the Cape Breton Chorale, Catherine fostered her love of music and shared with all her fine alto voice while also serving as archivist for the Chorale’s 36 years of existence.
As a creative and expert needleworker, Catherine produced garments, quilts, and Celtic knots of the finest quality. Many of these were given as gifts, but others served as fundraisers for her many charities. Catherine gave freely to those who were hungry, homeless, lonely and disadvantaged and was a strong supporter of the quest for world peace.
One of Catherine's favourite things to do was to pack a picnic lunch and, rain or shine, explore the back roads and obscure but beautiful spots of our island.
Catherine is survived by stepsister, Margaret Godwin and stepbrother, Edwin Godwin, both of Halifax; many close cousins; and a wide circle of dear friends.
Visitation will take place Monday, Feb. 1, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Curry's Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. The funeral will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport, on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m., with Fr. Dan Boudreau and Fr. Angus J. MacLeod officiating. Reception to follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Palliative Care or the Cancer Treatment Center.
Catherine will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
