Marjorie L Goodwin

Marjorie (Marge) passed away peacefully on February 18th, 2018, immediate family at her side. She is survived by her two sons, Greg and Gary, their partners Martha and Teresa and her four grandchildren, Bryce, David, Matthew and Sarah and her half-brother, Robert Feist. Tragically, one grandchild, Kira, recently passed away. Marge’s husband Gordon Vigurs Goodwin and sister, Irene Hayman, also predeceased her.

Marge was born on January 16th 1928 in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. Marge experienced the tough life living through the depression in Saskatchewan.

Although her early life was challenging, Marge excelled in school and had the report cards to prove it!

She and her family moved to the west coast and f. From 1945 till 1951 she worked in the personnel department for the Vancouver Hudson’s Bay Company.

Her exuberant personality and striking good looks enabled her to become Miss English Bay, Miss Vancouver and Miss PNE, all in 1949. A highlight of her wins was an all expenseall-expense paid trip to Hollywood to meet one of her film idols, Alan Ladd.

While working at the Bay, Marge met Gordon Vigurs Goodwin. Gordon had just left the RCAF and was working in the Bay’s management program. They married in 1950. During Gordon’s time in management, The Bay then sent them on a multi-decade whirlwind tour of all of the major cities in Canada. And as a bonus, Gordon needed to travel internationally to personally review new fashion lines and Marge accompanied him on these trips, thus introducing this depression raised little girl to the wonders the rest of the world has to offer.

Marge continued her education and obtained her B.Ed. from the University of Alberta, her B.A. from the University of Manitoba and her Masters of Education from the University of Winnipeg, achievements she was very proud of as a mature student. She was extremely honoured to be a teacher librarian. She worked at Tyndall Park School in Winnipeg where she made many life-long friends. Marge’s smile and personality lit up a room, her enthusiasm and commitment to educate Winnipeg’s youth as a teacher/librarian was noted by all who worked with and knew her, her outwardly friendly manner, generous nature and kind spirit were noted by all who met her.

She modified the image the school librarian: “She certainly didn’t fit the stereotype. No hair in a bun, ankle length skirts, and sensible shoes! Not her style. And boy, did she have style! We all still talk about those suede skirts and colourful knit sweaters that made us take stock of our own closets but sadly, couldn’t even come close to her wardrobe. But what made her the best librarian any school could have had, was her bubbly personality, infectious laugh, and love of her job that made everyone, children and adults, want to come to Marge’s library. She loved people and they loved her back.” (From a letter written from Marge’s Winnipeg friends.) Upon retirement, Marge moved to beautiful Sidney by the Sea, enjoying life on the seashore and reconnecting with Gordon’s sister, Gerry andr and brother Jack. Failing health necessitated a move to the Somerset in Victoria where she was able to remain close to the ocean. A tremendous moment for her was in 2010 when the PNEacific North East conference organizers invited all former beauty queens to be celebrated with the parade.

Marge’s smile and personality lit up a room, her enthusiasm and commitment to educate Winnipeg’s youth as a teacher/librarian was noted by all who worked with and knew her, her outwardly friendly manner, generous nature and kind spirit were noted by all who met her.

We would to express our gratitude to the many family members, friends and partners who helped during the time when her health began to deteriorate. Sincere appreciation to Dr. Rosenberg and his health care team for helping to keep her in her own home in her final years. We would like to thank all of the staff at Royal Jubilee hospital for their kindness and support during her final weeks and days.

A celebration of Marge’s life and times will be held in Sidney, in the near future. In lieu of flowers or gifts, any contributions may be considered for charities assisting those with macular degeneration.

Do not stand in the garden and weep,

I am still there, I do not sleep…

I am the flowers given rebirth,

I am still here, returned to earth.