Nancy Louise Goodman

Louise passed away peacefully in her sleep at home at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband, Dennis, and her son, Roy. She is survived by her close son John Goodman, her grandchildren Darcy, Jesse, and Shae, as well as many dear friends and the hundreds of music students she inspired over the years across three provinces in Canada.

Born and raised in Winnipeg to her loving parents, Roy and Nancy Marlatt, Louise excelled both academically and musically from an early age. She graduated as valedictorian of her university class, earning honours in both Commerce and Music. Soon after, she began her career with Great-West Life Canada, where she quickly rose to become head of Personnel and Human Resources within two years.

During this time, she also stood faithfully by her husband as he fought a two-year battle with tuberculosis. Louise's strength, determination, and compassion carried her through life's challenges and shaped the way she cared for her family, her friends, and her students.

After Dennis regained his health and began working for Hudson's Bay, Louise left Great-West Life to support his career. Together they moved from Winnipeg to Edmonton, Vancouver, Vernon, and Toronto. Along the way, Louise continued to share her gift of music by teaching piano. In Toronto, she also worked with mentally challenged children, forming marching bands where parents were overjoyed to see their children playing simple instruments and sounding wonderful together.

When the family returned to Vancouver, Louise and Dennis started their own business while she resumed her music career. As Dennis's business grew, he asked for her help, and she paused her teaching to dedicate herself to its success. Through her efforts, and with the help of the women she hired, the business expanded to nine locations in some of the busiest shopping malls in the city.

When Dennis's health declined due to a series of heart attacks, the family closed the stores, and Louise returned to her first love—music. She taught countless students, offered group lessons for aspiring teachers, and collaborated with musicians and rock bands she admired and referred to as "amazing talents." Many of her students went on to have successful bands and careers as symphony members and concert pianists. Louise also loved singing in the choir as well as curling and tennis at the North Shore Winter Club, where she enjoyed spending time with her many friends.

Later in life. Louise slowed her teaching and turned her creativity toward painting, where she found another outlet for her artistry. She sold many of her works and continued to create until her later years.

Louise spent her final years at home, surrounded by family and accompanied always by her beloved dog, Dolly.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 7, at 1 p.m. at Capilano View cemetery, West Vancouver. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the family home.