Obituary of Irene Margaret Goodman

Irene passed away peacefully on November 7 after brief illness at age 92. She is survived by daughters Ellen Goodman and Margaret Wolstencroft (Thom); grandchildren Chloe Wolstencroft Reid (Scott) and Teagan Wolstencroft (Kelsey); sister-in-law Joan Goodman; nieces and nephews in Canada and relatives in the UK. Irene was pre-deceased by husband Bill Goodman, parents John and Ellen Taite, and brothers John (Marjorie), Robert Ivan (Alice), and Cameron in WWII.

Irene grew up in Winnipeg’s north end and west end where she attended Ralph Brown and Principal Sparling schools. As a teenager she spent some time in London, England where she studied art before returning to Canada and marrying Bill in 1950. She lived most of her adult life thereafter in their family home on Valour Road. A lifelong Anglican, she attended St. Jude’s, St. Patrick’s and later St. Barnabas where she was active with the altar guild. She had a love of singing as a soprano and often spoke about participation in St. Jude’s choir which performed Handel’s Messiah together with other choirs at the then new Winnipeg Arena.

Early on, Irene worked at Investors Syndicate and later in various part-time positions. A committed volunteer, in 1964 she was recognized with an award by the Volunteer Bureau. She had a love for animals, especially her dogs and cats. She regularly donated to the WHS and in support of social causes. Ever civic-minded, she wouldn’t hesitate to contact local authorities over various concerns. She loved British TV shows, especially comedies, and would discuss them whether you watched them or not. Her love for music was reflected by regular attendance at the Winnipeg Symphony, as well as for movies where she would regularly take her children.

Forever on the move, Irene would ride her English bicycle before it was fashionable and once she had a vehicle, there was no stopping her. She found limitless reasons to head out well into her 80s, whether for errands or leaving grain out near the airport for straggling geese. She loved spending time with family, especially going out to a restaurant or at the summer cottage in Gimli. 

Irene will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Thank you to fourth floor staff at Concordia Place for their care and to her niece Angela Taite who spent extra special time with her. All expressed the loss of someone who indeed was an energetic force and added a spark to anyone who had the fortune to know her.

A private family service will be set at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or any animal rescue.