With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother (GG), sister, aunt, great-aunt, and dear confidant after a long illness. Chris faced her health challenges with unwavering courage and strength, never succumbing to the idea of defeat.
She was predeceased by her parents, Muriel Mary Mathias and William Geoffrey Mathias. Chris will be forever cherished and deeply missed by her devoted husband of 57 years, Stephen; daughters Treana (Bruce) and Tricia (Matthew); grandchildren Carys, Logan, Rhys, and Jada; and grandpups Maya and Daisy. In the UK, she is mourned by her brother, Peter (Cath); sisters Marilyn (Simon) and Carole; nephews Nick, Andy, Chris, and Tim; nieces Vicki, Emily, and Beccy; and many great-nieces and nephews.
Born in Cardiff, Wales, and educated at Worcester Teacher Training College, Chris embraced the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in 1967, answering an ad from the Saskatchewan provincial government seeking teachers. She arrived aboard the Empress of Canada that summer and settled in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, where she taught Grade 1. Not fond of prairie winters, she moved west to Sparwood, BC, eventually settling in Victoria in 1974. Chris earned her B.Ed. at UVic, graduating in 1978.
A beloved primary school teacher, “Mrs. Godfrey” taught at Lochside Elementary School (District of Saanich) for over 30 years, retiring in 2004. In retirement, she and Stephen enjoyed traveling the world, visiting many corners of the globe. Chris was happiest surrounded by her family and sitting on her patio, basking in the sun and surrounded by flowers.
Our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated healthcare teams at BC Cancer, Victoria Hospice, VIHA Saanich Community Health Services, and Dr. Lynn Unterschultz, her GP, for their exceptional care up until her final day.
As per Chris’s wishes, there will be no service. In her memory, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the 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 Bath
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Donna Collett My sincere condolences to the whole Godfrey family. I was sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. I have fond memories of working with her at Lochside School and of spending time with her.
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Mark Knight Steve, Treana, Tricia and family,
My sincerest condolences to each of you. Many years have passed since Chris I started to teach at Lochside Elem. I will always remember our times together at school and in your home as we celebrated so many life moments together.
Sending hugs,
Mark
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Brent Anthonisen I was sad to hear Mrs Godfrey passed away.I had her as my teacher in grade 3 in the 1983-84 school year.She made it an enjoyable year.
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Ajmare Sundher Dear Stephen and Family,
Condolences on the passing of Chris. I recall, with fondness, her uplifting nature and effervescent smile. Chris was a warm and caring individual who always had a kind word to say.
Sincerely,
Ajmare Sundher
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Jennifer Rowan Stephen, Treana, Tricia and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I think I might have been in Mrs Godfrey’s first grade 1 class at Lochside and she was wonderful.
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
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Jocelyn Rudd Tricia and to your family, my deepest condolences in the loss of your mom. Sending love and hugs, Jocelyn Rudd
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Dave & Sharon Layzell Our heartfelt condolences to you, Steve, Treanna, Tricia and families. We cherish the memories we have of our years working together and supporting one another as our families grew.
Dave & Sharon
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Barb Kuyvenhoven Hello Stephen,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Chris.
Take Care
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Grant Franceschini I was sorry to read of Chris’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her at Lochside, where she was very highly regarded. Thinking of you and fondly remembering a fine lady and teacher. Grant F
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Sonia Polson To Steve, Treanna and Tricia….thinking of you and the rest of your family with caring thoughts. I know that family was everything to Chris. Chris was my “across the hall” neighbour for about 10 years at Lochside, until her retirement. I really enjoyed being on staff with Chris….beyond her classroom teaching, Chris contributed a lot to our staff through her committee work. She continued to be a great organizer after retirement and she kept so many of us connected through the monthly lunches she faithfully organized for many years. I remember her laugh and the kindness she showed me. Rest in peace, dear Chris.
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Dorothea Gordon Dorothea Gordon
Lots of love and blessings to you, dear Godfrey family! Your loss is indeed great, and I feel privileged to have known Chris when we were neighbours on Portsmouth.
Dorothea Gordon
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GOULE Family Sending our condolences to all the family in Canada & the UK. Thoughts are with you at this sad time.
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Chris, Collette, Rhys & Danny All our love to you all during this sad time. She was a great Aunty and was a pleasure to be around when in the UK (and when we all stayed for Treana and Bruce’s wedding!!)
We will all miss her.
Chris, Collette, Rhys and Danny (Epsom, UK)
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Jeanette So sorry to hear this news. Love and prayers go to the Godfrey and Mathias families. Thinking of you all. Nett& Ken (Cardiff)
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Ainsley, Jeff, Rex, and Louis Godfrey family,
We are sending our thoughts and support to you all. While I never met Chris, I heard many wonderful things about her from Tricia and Treana; you are both a testament to your mum’s strength and resilience. She will be missed by all.
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Sian Chambers Lots of love and prayers for you all, especially Chris’s family in Cardiff who I know well
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Sarah Davies Sincere condolences to all the family, lots of love Sarah, Mike and family xx (Wales uk)
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Donna Hay Chris dealt with her illness with grace and positivity, always grateful for her caregivers. She was a special friend and I share your loss. Donna
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Ann and Bill O’Dell So sad to have to say farewell to an amazing lady. Steve,Treana and Tricia, Bill and I send hugs to you all.
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Martin family We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the whole family and wish you all strength and peace, from The Martin family (Wales)
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Wendy and John Winstanley John and I send our deepest sympathy to you Stephen and family. We have many happy memories of times spent with you. John always tells about dancing across the ocean as the two of them were on the same ship and from the same teacher college. Sending hugs.
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Carol Boyd Sincere condolences to Tricia,Treanna,Steven and all of your loved ones. Take good care.
Love and best wishes,
Carol Boyd
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Paige Gil Al and I are so sorry to hear the passing of your Mother.
I hope you find comfort in the memories you hold dear.
Al and Paige
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Elaine Hillard My sincere condolences to all the Godfrey family
I had the pleasure of meeting Chris on several occasions here in Wales and it was always great to see her
I am sure she will be sorely missed
ELAINE
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Christine. I was unaware she was ill and left us to join the angels. May god be with you all.