Anna Gertrude Godwin

Godwin, Anna Gertrude , died peacefully in her sleep on March 22, 2012. Born in Halifax she was the daughter of the late Gertrude Louise (Frazier) and Harry Condon Macdonald. She is survived by her children, Chris (Susie), Terry and Susan Mills; grandchildren, Jane (Stephen) Rovers, Michael and Maura Godwin, Wendy, Ben and Ted Mills; great grandson, Jude Rovers; brother, Harry Macdonald, Santa Barbara, CA; sister, Tess Desrochers, Laguna Woods, CA. She was predeceased by her husband, John Edward Godwin; sister, Patty Moody; brothers, Frank and Tommy Macdonald.

Born and raised in Halifax, mom graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart School and Mount Saint Vincent University. She taught in Halifax and Dartmouth until Chris was born. Mom remained involved in her community while staying home to raise her family. Some of the organizations she was involved in were St. Thomas Aquinas CWL, St. Thomas Aquinas PTA, the Canadian Mental Health Association, United Appeal (now United Way) and many more. She also served on the executive of both the Convent of the Sacred Heart Alumni and Mount Saint Vincent Alumni, volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years and volunteered to teach adults to read. Anna was an avid bridge player before the Alzheimer’s and enjoyed playing at the Mayflower Curling Club League and St. Agnes Parish League. Mom was a life long learner and enjoyed Elderhostel Vacations.

Our mother was a kind and generous person who always did whatever she could to help those less fortunate. In keeping with her spirit of giving and belief that everyone benefits from education , her brain has been donated to the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank for Alzheimer’s Research. To honour her memory the Anna Macdonald Godwin Memorial Endowed Bursary has been established at Mount Saint Vincent University, primarily to assist single mothers and their families who have been the victims of domestic abuse and are trying to build new lives. Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so, addressed to Mount Saint Vincent University Advancement Office, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS, B3M 2J6.

We would like to thank the VON and Dr. Leighton for their care and support this past week . Visitation will be held on Sunday March 25, 2012 from 3-5pm at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax. Funeral mass will be held 10amMonday March 26, 2012 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. To view or place an online message of condolence please visit www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com