Obituary of Mary Jane Goddard
Mary Jane was born in Sussex on May 20, 1959. She was the daughter of James and Helen (Murray) Parlee. Mary Jane spent her childhood surrounded by a large family. From a young age, Mary Jane had a keen eye to see the world in colour. Where one person may just see a single cloud in the sky, Mary Jane would see a work of art, unfolding before her.
Mary Jane had many accomplishments in her life. Her family, her art, and graduating from St. Thomas University with her BA, she cherished as her three most significant accomplishments.
Her passion for art and photography continued to grow within Mary Jane as the years passed. She had a keen eye for seeing stories unfold around her and she was able to capture those stories through her art and photography. Whether it was a moment of two guitars playing, or a simple lonely shoe lying on the ground, for Mary Jane, everyone, and everything had a story to be told.
Soon after graduating, Mary Jane met James Harvey Goddard. The two were married on June 27, 1981, and had two beautiful boys. Her family meant everything to Mary Jane; with her sons being the centre of her world. She loved hearing her children talk and laugh, enjoying each other’s company. Along with her sons, her siblings held a special place in her life, especially her sister Susan. One of her most cherished memories with Susan was when the two stood on Susan’s front porch and watched the snowfall one New Year’s Eve.
Mary Jane had an abundant love for her sons, a deep faith in God, and a passion for expressing the beauty around her. She was a fighter and fought every battle life dealt her, with dignity and grace. She had a compassionate spirit and loved having her home filled with friends and family. Mary Jane was an animal lover, and welcomed many family pets into her home. She especially loved her dogs Mickey and Santos.
It is fitting that we are celebrating Mary Jane’s life during the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving was Mary Jane’s favorite time of year and she loved to share this time with her friends and family. Mary Jane’s vibrant spirit, abundant love, and her passion for art will continue to live on in the memories of many.
Mary Jane will be greatly missed by her sons: Kurt and his wife Rebecca Butler of Fredericton and
Dustin of Saskatchewan; her parents: James and Helen Parlee of Sussex; her siblings: Ron Parlee of Toronto, Bob and his wife Ann of Waterford, Danny and his wife Susan of Sussex, Tommy and his wife Nina of Newline, Jack and his wife Louise of Apohaqui and Susan Parlee of Sussex; her sisters-in-law: Linda Breau and her husband Allen of Grand Bay/Westfield and Janice Candy and her husband Peter of Falmouth, NS; her brother-in-law, Peter Goddard and his wife Georgetta of Berwick as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Mary Jane Goddard of Sussex, passed away at the Fredericton Hospice House on October 6, 2016, at the age of 57. She is predeceased by her husband, James Harvey Goddard, who passed away in 2010.
Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176), where visitation will be on Sunday, October 9th from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm.
A service celebrating Mary Jane's life will be held at St. Mark's Anglican Church on Monday, October 10, 2016, at 2:00 pm. The interment will take place in Trinity Cemetery, immediately followed by a time of fellowship and Art Memorial at the St. Mark's Anglican Church Hall.
If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Hospice House, Fredericton (Hospice Fredericton, P.O Box 802, Fredericton, NB E3B 5B4).
www.wallacefuneralhome.com
