Obituary of Irene Sheila Goodwin

IRENE SHEILA HARTON GOODWINassed away on Dec. 22, 2008 after a long illness. Adored mother of Terry, Greg, and Gael Goodwin. Grandmother to Malcolm MacNeil and Samuel Pettet. Preceded in death by her daughter, Sheila MacNeil and sister, Patricia Harton Ross. She was born Mar. 11, 1923 in Quirigua , Guatemala , to Captain William Henry Harton and Lylian Moore Harton, where her father operated a plantation. In early childhood, she moved with her parents and sister to Montreal , the home of her mother. She grew up enjoying all that Montreal and Quebec had to offer, including skiing at Mont Tremblant in the Laurentians, and trips to her Aunt and Uncles retreat in the countryside. Most of all, as a young girl, she developed the love of family and God, with a devotion to those to whom she was close that would be an integral part of her entire life and took precedence above all else. In 1951, she met Albert Goodwin on a trip to Seattle . She married Al the following year, moving to Seattle , along with her mother, Lylian, and soon began a family. While raising her children she volunteered and did fund-raising for her Parish, the Cornish School , and Childrens Hospital. Following her marriage, she worked with the World Affairs Council, chaperoning visiting dignitaries from around the world to meetings with local government, business or educational counterparts. It was work in which she excelled with her natural graciousness, love of people and ability to connect with others. It was very rewarding to her. As was her nature, she developed friendships with people from around the world leading to many happy years of travel and correspondence. Mom had a tremendous love of others, of her family and far beyond, and was very nurturing to those around her. She spoke well of everyone and lived with a graciousness and kindness toward others that was appreciated by all those with whom she came in contact. As a mother she devoted herself to having each of her children feel admired, loved, and uniquely special. To her last days, she appreciated love, laughter and spending time with her family and friends. She never complained but rather, warmly and with a smile, greeted others and showed concern for their welfare. Her spirit never gave up, even as her body found it difficult to keep waging the battle. It is a great gift to her children that she continued to be able to express her tremendous love for us to the very end. We feel blessed to have the privilege of being her children. We miss her and will always carry her with us. A Vigil Service was held Jan. 13, 2009 with a Funeral Mass on Jan. 14, 2009 both at Christ the King Church , in Seattle , WA . Please make any remembrances in her memory to Northwest Parkinsons Foundation or Childrens Hospital.