Obituary of Alberta Edna Godlien

The Godlien family is saddened to announce that passing of Edna Godlien at her home in Invermere, after a brave battle with cancer.

Edna and her twin brother Earl Barbour were born on the 28th June 1934 in Invermere and were the grandchildren of pioneers John Smith Barbour and his wife Maggie who first settled in the valley in 1896. The Barbour family have now lived in the Valley for more than 114 years. They were involved in farming, mining, logging and road building. Two local landmarks bear the Barbour's name, Barbour Creek and Barbour's Rock which is located on their original homestead on the Toby Benches. The Barbour family sold their homestead and moved to Wilmer and bought a farm at the far end of Munn Lake. Edna and her twin brother Earl Barbour grew up during the depression and the Second World War and suffered the hardships associated with these great events. Edna married Arthur Godlien in 1952 in Wilmer, B.C., and they raised a family of four, Luverne (deceased), Ellen (Jack) Bellamy, Jim (Brigitt) Godlien and Dan (Sue) Godlien. She had 9 grand children and 4 great grandchildren.

During her life she worked as a Camp Cook for a Local Outfitter, cooked for fire crews, cleaned businesses, and for many years worked at the Super Value grocery store. She will be remembered for her tireless volunteer work at the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary in Invermere where she was honoured as a Lifetime member and held various positions on the executive committees. She was a loving and caring Mother and Grandmother and her cookie jar was always full. Those that knew her well would say that she was a tough and determined woman, independent and strong of mind and will. Edna was happiest when she was surrounded by friends and family and when spending time at her piece of Paradise on the Westside road.

 

A memorial service will be held at the Royal Canadian legion on Thursday Oct 21, 2010 @ 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice in her memory.