Goodwin, Mary Kosick
May 21, 1924 - February 12, 2015
Passed away peacefully at home in Courtenay, Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 90 years of age. Predeceased by her parents Fred and Catherine, her husband Don and her brothers Nick, Mike and Dick, Mary is survived by her brothers and sisters, Doris, Bill (Rosalie), Al (Barbara), Peter (Joan), Jess (Joanne) and Stella (Jerry) sister-in-laws Gwen and Anne, her sons Michael, Bill (Renate), Brian and daughter-in-law Cathy and grandchildren Matthew, Kathryn, Jordan, Taryn and Carissa.
Mary was born on a farm in Mayfair, Saskatchewan, developed a strong work ethic early in life, met her husband Don in Dawson Creek and moved to Courtenay/ Comox in 1952. Anyone who had the privilege of hearing Mary sing will remember her angelic voice, and her conducting the choir at Canadian Martyrs Catholic church. Mary’s culinary expertise and passion for gardening were well known as were her talents in sewing. She worked hard to revive many forgotten Ukrainian designs and techniques.
Mary was truly a life-long learner and when Don and Mary moved to Victoria in 1972, Mary was able to further her studies and obtain two Master’s degrees from U Vic. Mary’s Ukrainian heritage was of particular importance to her and she was a founding member of the Ukrainian Studies Society where she was instrumental in establishing a Ukrainian scholarship at Pearson College. Mary was also an active participant in Victoria Folkfest and a vital member of the Ukrainian Cultural Society and the St. Nicholas parish. Mary led a rich spiritual life and in her final year wrote and had published a book entitled “Ukrainian-Canadian Daughter: The Faith and Life of Mary Kosick Goodwin.” It was Mary’s final wish to donate her body to UBC for research.
A Funeral Mass will be held at the Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1110 Caledonia Street in Victoria BC at 11:30 AM on Friday, February 27th with a luncheon reception to follow. Another mass will also take place in Courtenay at Christ the King Catholic Church at 11:00 AM Monday March 2nd, located at 1599 Tunner Drive with a reception to follow at 1773 Sussex Drive, Crown Isle. Flowers would be appreciated as they gave Mary much joy, or one could mail a donation to the Ukrainian Studies Society c/o 3277 Douglas St. Victoria B.C. V8Z 3K9