Mary Elizabeth Goddard

Mary Elizabeth Kerr was born July 25, 1938 in Hamilton, Ontario. She spent her early years living in Vancouver in a multi-generational family home consisting of grandparents, mother, aunt, uncle and 2 cousins, who were like sisters. Mary was actively involved in her Church youth group, receiving awards for her perfect attendance at Sunday School. After high school, Mary pursued a career in nursing and graduated from VGH School of Nursing in 1960. It was that same year, on a blind date to the Sweetheart Valentine’s Day Ball, that Mary met Harley Goddard, the man of her dreams. They were married the following summer on July 15, 1961 after a long-distance courtship. Their first daughter, Janice, was adopted in April 1966, followed closely by the birth of Heather in May 1967. Mary and Harley purchased their first home and settled in Ladner, BC in 1969. They raised their family while Mary continued to work at VGH as an ENT nurse. Their next move in 1992 brought them to Kamloops where Mary continued her love of nursing by volunteering at RIH in the ER department.

Mary loved to travel and see the world. Their journeys took them to the Holy Land, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Europe, the Baltics, South America and most recently Australia. Cruising was a favorite pastime.

Mary never stopped learning and growing in her relationship with Christ, being a prayer warrior for her family and serving Jesus. She enjoyed the fellowship and friendships at Kamloops Alliance Church. It was a joy for Mary to see three generations of her family following Jesus and spreading His love.

Mary’s constant devotion and service to others, her nurturing ways, and steadfast love for her husband will forever serve as a legacy for her family and friends.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Harland; her daughters, Janice DeVries-Anthony (Kent), Heather Reid (Kelly); her grandchildren, David Reid (Krista), Michael Reid (Cindy), Breanne Peterson (Stefan); her great-grandchildren, Emily, Taya, Jackson, Grace, Markus, Brady (children of David and Krista) Sadie, Lincoln, (children of Michael and Cindy) Riley, Kaiyden (children of Breanne and Stefan); cousins and many special friends.

Mom, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren arise and call you blessed; your husband praises you. (Proverbs 31:28) You have enriched our lives and we love you so very much.

Special thanks to the many wonderful staff of 7North at RIH who took such loving care of Mom and our family. And to Dr Evancio, whose wisdom and compassion guided us through Mom’s care and passing.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 1:30 pm at Kamloops Alliance Church, 200 Leigh Road, Kamloops BC.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.