Ethel Gooding

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