Ethel Gooding
January 18th, 2021
1925-2021
On Monday, January 18, 2021 we said farewell to our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ethel (Snyder) Gooding, at the age of 95 in the Didsbury Hospital. Ethel was the 14th of 15 children born in Didsbury to William and Eleanora Snyder.
Mom grew up on the farm east of Didsbury. When she was ready to make her own way in this world, she and aunt Ann found their first opportunity for employment at a small café called “The Bright Spot” in Didsbury. She loved this job as she often spoke of the times she and aunt Ann were given enough responsibility to run the café on their own while the owner went on vacation. The main selling feature of the cafe was “sardine sandwiches” which they made on a daily basis. This was one food she could not tolerate for the rest of her life.
She married Eric Gooding of Didsbury on July 10, 1946. Five children completed the family circle. Keeping up with us kids, Mom found herself involved in many local clubs and activities in the area. The farm was 100% sustainable as we raised cattle, pigs and chickens, grew mixed crops and we all tended to a very large vegetable garden. Farming was Dad’s passion, but it impaired his ability to continue as his health declined, so they finally opted to buy a house in town, where they lived for many years. In 2005, a further decline in Dad’s health prompted a move to Aspen Ridge Lodge in Didsbury. Just as Dad was starting to feel comfortable with this new living arrangement, he passed away 6 months later. Mom resided there for another 16 years until her passing. She met many new friends and saw many friends come and go before her. Mom’s love for the garden and flower beds were two of her favorite pastimes. Later in life, she enjoyed her walks while listening to the birds sing.
Mom will be forever remembered by her children, Bryan, Trevor (Lorraine), Sharon (Richard) Fisher, Donna (John) Searle, Karen (Darrell) Scheidt; her 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Fox; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Eric, in 2005; her siblings, Oscar, Verdella, Lloyd, Irma, Viola, Irene, Arthur, Ruby, Alton, Alfred, Charles, John and Morris.
We are thankful for the care from the staff at Aspen Ridge Lodge, and the Didsbury Hospital staff who comforted Mom in her last few hours. She will be forever remembered for her “Snyder” chuckle by all those who came into her life. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. She has gone to be with her Lord and Saviour.
If desired, memorable tributes may be made directly to the Didsbury and District Historical Society o/a Didsbury Museum, PO Box 1175, Didsbury, AB, T0M 0W0.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Family Service was held. A “Celebration of Remembrance” will be held at a later date.
“Grief is the price we pay for love.” - Queen Elizabeth
Messages:
Karen and Darrell and family, We send you our sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. May your treasured memories give you some comfort at this sad time. Sending our love and hugs.
This is such a good picture of Aunt Ethel! We are expecting her to 'emerge' from the page as soon as she 'sees' us with a wide happy welcome, asking us how we are...and really wanting to hear our answer! Aunt Ethel made the most of each moment, it seemed to us. She 'oozed-with-joy' as we have heard the Snyder collective presence described. We will deeply miss her representation of that generation of the Snyder clan at our reunions, but will see her again when we meet each of her kids. For as long as we remember her, she will never be entirely lost. "A mother's (and father's) hand rests on her child's shoulder all of their days."
Some of my best memories are the visits to the Snyder aunts and uncles when my family would visit Canada. There were always cousins to play with. Murray, seeing you in Hutchinson, KS and going to the Space Center with you is an unforgettable day.
We always enjoyed our visits with Aunt Ethel. The stories that this family had to tell always ended with a lot of laughter.
Our hearts are with you as you grieve your mother's passing. Aunt Ethel was always special. I (Lynda) remember the first Snyder reunion I attended and her warm welcome into the family. Her eyes twinkled and her chuckle was contagious. Her love was like an elastic that included all and stretched over time. She modeled the meaning of love and of family and set an example for us to follow. Auntie Ethel will be missed but her memory will live on.
Dear Sharon &Richard I just saw the notice on the passing of your Mom. I am so sorry. I have lots of memories of living in Alberta with you. She was a lovely lady. Love Wendy