Obituary of Donna Goudie

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Donna (Martin) Goudie, at the age of 61 years at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL on Monday, June 16th 2025. She was surrounded by family and friends.

Donna was born to Rosalie and Owen Martin on February 12th , 1964 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the second youngest of seven children, and she enjoyed a memorable childhood in a large and loving family and an even bigger circle of friends. Donna graduated from Goose High School after completing grade 11, and this is where she found her love of theatre and drama, participating in every production possible, a passion she instilled in her daughter, Rachel, from a very early age. After high school Donna relocated to Fort McMurray where she also graduated from Grade 12. She eventually moved to St. John’s where she attended Memorial University for two years, but ultimately her longing for home and family won out and she returned to Happy Valley-Goose Bay to build a life in her childhood home.

She began her career with Forestry and Agrifoods in 1990 and enjoyed her 7 years with the Department, gaining valuable experience and forming life long friendships along the way. She eventually transferred to the Department of Works, Services and Transportation in 1998 and would spend the next 21 years until her retirement in 2019. Donna was a constant professional, taking pride in every aspect of her work, and although she made the most of retirement life, she always missed her work family and she continued to maintain some of those connections right up until her passing.

Donna was an artist in her own right, and she gifted many of her friends and family members with the most unique and thoughtful pieces – each created with love and a talent she never acknowledged – to her, she was just having fun – to the recipients, these pieces will bring joy and remembrance for a life time.

Donna’s greatest love was her family. Her daughter, Rachel, was her biggest source of pride and adoration – she was thrilled when Rachel graduated from York University in Toronto, pursuing a career in theatre production. Although she missed Rachel terribly, she was always excited to share news of her big city adventures – one of their most memorable adventures together was a trip to see the Broadway production of Come From Away in New York City, and she was so impressed to hear Rachel’s critique of the production, which allowed her a glimpse of her daughter’s expert perspective on the technical aspects of the show.

Donna met Rex through mutual friends, began dating shortly after, and were married in 2008.They enjoyed many wonderful years together as a couple and as a family when Rachel came along in 1998. Rex was by Donna’s side through all of the highs and lows, loving and supporting her through every challenge they faced, especially her serious health issues. Rex doted on her during each and every health crisis, advocating for her at every opportunity and remaining focussed on their shared hope for a better quality of life for Donna. Her passing has left a void that cannot be filled, but a life time of loving memories will help ease the burden of navigating the uncertain road ahead.

Donna cherished her siblings, maintaining regular contact with each and every one. She spent many vacations reconnecting with family who lived in other parts of Canada and the US whenever she had the chance. One of her favourite trips was a few years ago when they travelled as a family to Battle Harbour, sharing lots of belly laughs and reminiscing the way only siblings can, on the long drive there and back. She always felt blessed to have at least two of her siblings living close by. Her sister Sherry and her brother Jim, along with their spouses Detlef and Georgina, were a constant presence in Donna’s every day life – their love, support and friendship, especially during her medical setbacks, meant everything to Donna, Rex, and Rachel.

Donna’s friendships were precious to her, and she enjoyed many strong and meaningful connections with countless friends throughout her  life.While dealing with her own health struggles, she maintained those bonds, cheering them and their loved ones on in their triumphs and major life milestones and offering her unwavering love and support during the difficult times. She really did light up a room with her huge smile and her contagious laughter…and she laughed a lot. Her many circles of friends miss her dearly and will carry her with them always.

Donna was pre-deceased by her mother and father and her brother, Barry (Shelley), and her brother-in-law, Doug. Leaving to mourn with fond memories and broken hearts are her husband Rex, daughter Rachel, sisters, Doreen (Frankie), Millie Ann, Rhonda (Scott), Sherry (Detlef), brother Jim (Georgina), special friend Liz Battcock, many nieces and nephews, and a large circle of extended family and close friends.

Donna’s family would like to thank the staff at the Labrador Health Centre for their excellent care and compassion during her latest health crisis, as well as Dr. Leonard for care provided to Donna during her illness over the past several years. Thanks to Reverend Nellie for her prayer and comfort to Donna and her family and friends, and a special thank you to the staff of Fillatre’s Funeral Home for their kindness and compassion in making her final arrangements. To friends and family near and far, who have reached out to offer their love, condolences and support and to share your memories, your kindness gives us strength to get through this devastating loss…we will never forget the outpouring of love from those who knew and loved Donna as we did.

Friends and family may visit Fillatre’s Funeral Home on 45 Aspen Drive on Wednesday June 18th from the hours of 3:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm . Cremation will take place in the coming days, and a celebration of Donna’s life will be held at the St. Andrews Anglican Church at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 19th . Flowers are welcome, but friends and family are encouraged to make a donation to the Happy Valley-Goose Bay SPCA in her memory.

                                                  “If love could have saved you, you would have lived
                                                          forever…we will carry you in our hearts”