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Alice Maude Goodwin

1927-2023

Alice Maude Goodwin

Alice Maude Goodwin died peacefully on March 7, 2023. The last of a family of eight children, she was a true matriarch. Born December 30, 1927 in Central Bedeque, PEI. Her father was Col. Ulric Dawson, and her mother was Adella Dawson (nee Francis). They moved to Yarmouth in 1939 when her father was assigned to establish an army training base there at the beginning of WWII. Alice graduated from Yarmouth County Academy and the Academy School of Business with honours. On September 3, 1949 she married Willard Neale Goodwin of Argyle, Yarmouth County. They raised their four daughters on the Dingle Road in Halifax before moving to the Valley in the spring of 1965 to open a Dairy Queen in what was then the farm village of New Minas. Mom looked after the business side of things, and dad looked after the customers. They were a formidable pair. They retired in 1985 to garden full time on their 36-acre property at the top of Prospect Avenue in Kentville. In 2007 they began the development of Deer Haven Subdivision.

Alice was a life member of the Valley Gardeners and worked hard on their behalf with an enthusiastic membership that tackled projects like the gardens at Wolfville’s Festival Theatre and the courtyards and front entry of the Valley Regional Hospital. She and Willard could often be found stationed at the mall or the front entries of local grocery stores, selling lottery tickets for the local SPCA. The shelter was built due to their efforts and those of the team they built around them.

Alice was a true and loyal friend to those she shared her life with. She was one of a group of five women who graduated from Yarmouth Academy and made a point to get together in summer to enjoy each other’s company while their husbands took over the local golf course. This continued for the remainder of their lives. She and Willard enjoyed a party, and hosted Dairy Queen staff parties, Gyro Club BBQ events and neighbourhood get-togethers. Together they helped many of their staff to realize their true worth and lead successful lives.

Alice is survived by her four daughters: Gwen (Greg Kenny), New Minas; Mae (Eric Wilson), Cairns, Au.; Carol, Kentville; and Adella (Scott Edwards), Townsville, Au. Her grandchildren include Shaun Kenny (Angie Reid), Dartmouth; Jill Foley (Steve), Brookside; Teresa Wilson (Pierre Agrain), Brisbane, Au.; and Patrick Edwards, Auckland, NZ; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandson Ben and her husband Willard. Her sisters, Eileen, Phyllis, Dorothy, Betty, Irma, and Elsie Margaret, and her brother Ulric Jr. all died before her.

At the end of her life, Alice was welcomed by the Valley Hospice. The wonderful team there made her comfortable and cared for her in her final days. They were amazingly helpful to us, providing emotional support and hugs when needed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 5 at 2:00 pm in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. A livestream of the service will be available. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. To view the video webcast and for on-line condolences or inquiries please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.

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Service Date
Friday, May 5, 2023
Service Time
2:00 p.m.
Service Location
White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Nova Scotia

Visitation
There will be no visitation by request

Requested Charity
Charity of the Donor's Choice