It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Margaret Ethel Godfrey on November 21, 2025, at Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, B.C. She was predeceased by her loving husband Dick in 1975 and by her son-in-law Kelly Ford in August, 2025 and leaves behind her four daughters – Ann (Phil), Aileen (Barry), Kathryn (Mark) and Joan as well as eight grandchildren – Patricia, Jeanette (Kyle), Emily (Matt), Sarah, Bethany (Chris), Evan (Hailee), Kayla (Corson), Tyler (Amy) and seven great-grandchildren – Austin, Aubree, Oliver, Alex, Cayde, Koda, Jayden and many friends. Mom will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.
Mom was born on April 23, 1925 to Will and Margaret MacDonald and lived on Parkview Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba until she left to begin a teaching career.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba in 1946 and her teaching certificate shortly afterwards. After receiving her teaching certificate, Mom taught at the High School in Carmen, Manitoba.
On September 9, 1950 Mom married the love of her life, Dick Godfrey, and they had 25 wonderful years together. After they settled in Victoria in 1950,
Mom worked for the B.C. Ministry of Education as well as helping at Dick’s shop which at that time was attached to McMartin’s. When the shop was moved to the location on Cormorant St. and became Godfreys Luggage and Leather Repair, Mom did the bookkeeping and helped Dick out in the store in many ways. In 1990, she retired from the Ministry of Education and enjoyed travelling as well as her many hobbies. These hobbies included gardening, stamp collecting, genealogy, knitting, embroidery and music. She particularly enjoyed playing the piano and organ and loved to sing in the church choir. Mom was an active member of Eastern Star for most of her life and was a Lifetime member of Queen City Chapter No. 5 Eastern Star.
She was a Charter member of Gordon Head United Church and was active in the church choir, involved with Sunday school, a member of the board, active in UCW and a trustee for the church.
The most important part of Mom’s life was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom celebrated their achievements and commiserated with them when things didn’t go well. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
We would like to thank the nurses and caregivers in the Brio at Berwick Royal Oak for their kind and compassionate care of Mom during the past two years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at McCall Gardens on December 5, 2025 at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision, as requested by Mom.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Godfrey” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Jean Prette
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Sue Doman Deepest sympathies to the family on Ethel’s passing. She’s especially remembered for her steadfast commitment to Gordon Head United Church, including singing in the choir which I was privileged to direct for a number of years. Ethel will be forever remembered as an active, supporting and compassionate lady, who cared deeply for others and gave her absolute best to everything she did. May she rest in peace.
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Leslie Butler Another parent has left. It’s never easy to say good-bye but I hope your
many happy memories of your mom will help ease your loss.
My condolences go out to your entire family.
Leslie Butler (Hooper)
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Norma Scharbach I am sorry to hear of Ethel’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her for several year in the ministry of Education. My condolences to all the family.
So many memories! I am sorry to hear of your Mom Ethel’s passing on…My condolences to all the family….Love, Jean