Goldie Sylvia Fownes, 88, of Cherry Hill, Nova Scotia, passed peacefully at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home in Halifax on October 12, 2023.
Born in Blockhouse, Goldie was the youngest daughter of Harris and Effie (Zinck) Langille. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Fred Fownes, son Allen (Lynn Kontak) of Halifax, daughter Nadine (John Pearce), of Stillwater Lake, grandchildren Sarah, Matt and Mary, four great grandchildren, and her brother Merrill Langille (Barbara) of Bridgewater. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her sisters, Claudia, Valeria, and Natalie.
Goldie always reminisced fondly about her childhood in Blockhouse where she rode her bicycle to school and church, up and over the hills into Mahone Bay. It was at a dance in Blockhouse where she met the love of her life, Fred, who swept her off her feet and away to Montreal where they lived for several years before returning to Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, to raise their family.
Goldie enjoyed a diverse work life: After high school, she began training to be a registered nurse at the Victoria General School of Nursing but switched gears several times, turning her hand to everything from secretarial work to real estate. The longest and most successful chapter of her career was as a financial planner.
Upon retirement, Goldie and Fred travelled and cruised the world, and enjoyed spending time at their family cabin on Big Lake Mushamush. The highlight of their retirement years was their move to an older home overlooking the ocean in Cherry Hill. This was where Goldie felt most at home and forged some of her most heartfelt friendships. Over the past several years, Alzheimer’s disease robbed Goldie of many memories but she continued to express her affection for her beloved Cherry Hill right to the very end.
Goldie will be remembered for her joyful zest for life and love of a good laugh, her pointed opinions, her warm hugs, and especially her scrumptious seafood chowder and chocolate cakes.
Goldie’s family will be forever grateful to the nurses and caregivers at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home for their compassionate and professional care.
Goldie has generously donated her remains to Dalhousie Medical School and the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank where researchers are studying the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Goldie’s memory to the St. Vincent’s Nursing Home Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society Research Program, or the United Communities Volunteer Fire Department in Cherry Hill.
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June Smith
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing Allen. Condolences to all your family.
Hugh Mosher
I am sorry to learn of Goldie’s passing. I always enjoyed my chats with her either socially or through business. May your memories help you all going forward.
Robert Quinn
Allen and Nadine: I will always remember the fantastic support your mother gave to me and my staff at Brooklyn School when the family was in Brooklyn many years ago. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Susan MacLeod
Dear Alan and Nadine and families
I am so sorry to hear your Mom as passed away. She was a very lovely lady. I have fond memories of Goldie when she lived in Queens. My sincere condolences.
Susan MacLeod
Peter & Joanie Davies
Our sincere condolences to all Goldie’s family
Frank MacKay
Allen, Nadine and Families…..Sorry to hear of your Mothers passing.Been many years since I’ve seen her, but I remember her well from our times together growing up in Brooklyn.Susan and I send our Sincere Condolences on your loss. Frank & Susan MacKay
Chris Joudrey
Nadine, so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a sweetheart. I always had fond memories of her. The deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Philip and Nancy Leefe
Mom and I are sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, Allen. Our deepest condolences to you, Nadine, your Dad and families.
Anne Cameron
Dear, dear Goldie ; a beautiful smile, and fun memories with Goldie.
She was dearly loved, by her family, and others.
My sincere condolences.
May the good memories, rise to bless .
Nancy Richards
So sorry to hear your Mum has passed away Allen , thoughts & prayers are with all of you . Nancy Richards
Kim Risser
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing Allen. Please accept my condolences to you, Lynn
and your families. Take care and enjoy memories of a life well lived
Kim
,
Faye Pike
Dear Fred, Alan & Nadine,
We have thought of you many times since our move from Brooklyn. Our stay was short but the friends and neighbours that we made have always been remembered. We enjoyed the tales, food, the laughter and the wonderful “next door” sitter who watched over our children for times needed. Goldie was full of life and laughter. We remember and think of each of you as we send our deepest condolences,
Howie, Faye, Jeff & Lindsay Evans Pike
Kathy MacLeod
Nadine and Allan, so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My deepest sympathies.
Linda Roy
Nadine, I’m so sorry to see your mom has passed away. I always enjoyed seeing her when she came to my work. You’re in my thoughts. Take care.
Linda
George Paterson
Fred and family. We are sorry to hear of Goldie’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
George and Carole Paterson
Robenia and Theresa Brewster
Allen, Nadine and Family
Sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Robenia and Theresa Brewster
Kathleen Osborne
Your Mother will be missed . I was away and was sad to hear of her passing Nadine . God love her and bless you for being such a wonderful caring daughter .I am already missing “my Goldie Bear ” Prayers , Kathleen Osborne
Margot Lutes.margot@gmail.com
I have great memories of my cousin, Goldie. From visits to Cherryhill, the cottage on Mush and Bedford. We enjoyed chatting and remembering the old days around Blockhouse. Our sympathy to Fred, Nadine, Allen and family.
Margot (Langille) Lutes and Michael
Gary Feindel
To Fred and family, so very sorry to hear about Goldie’s passing.
Heather Croke
Dear Fred,Allen and Nadine sorry to hear about
Your wife and Mother
Cathy
Fred, Nadine, and Allen,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved wife and mother. We have many memories of the years you lived across the street.
Charles Richardson and Cathy O’Brien
Greta Connolly.
Fred
My sincere condolences to you and your family .Goldie will be sadly missed.
Greta
Brian MacNutt
To Alan, Nadine, and family-
My condolences about your Mom. It is never easy. I didn’t know her but I know you two. Feel sad about this. RIP
Brian MacNutt
Edwina Donovan
You will be deeply missed Miss Goldie, We named our cat Goldielock in your memory. Love you forever.
Blair C. Smith
My condolences Allen and family.