Obituary of Helen May Goodman

Helen May Houser was born May 6, 1911 in the family home of Ebbert & Anna Houser of the North End District twelve miles north of Macklin. She went to school by horseback or horse & sleigh. Growing up, under her mother's supervision, Helen became an excellent cook and baker. On September 24, 1935 Helen married Lloyd Goodman and they moved into their new home on the Goodman farm next door to the big house in the Hayter district where they resided for the next 65 years. Their first child Harold was born on April 7, 1937 and daughter Norma was born on July 3, 1939. It was a busy household with school activities, music lessons and regular attendance at church. Helen and Lloyd sponsored many missionaries over the years. Having company for a meal was always great fun with sing-a-longs or a jam session with instruments. She was a self taught piano player so music was an important part of life. A competitive game of crokinole or Chinese checkers would always complete an evening for Helen. Her hands were never idle as she raised turkeys and about 200 chickens every year so eggs were sold in town and butchering days included the help of everyone. When the power came to the area in 1952 the wood stove was exchanged for an electric one along with a refrigerator followed by a deep freeze. Her fruit cupboard was filled with jars of pickles, jams, jellies and all kinds of canned fruits. The apple and plum trees and raspberries were shared with neighbors and the large garden produce filled the freezer on an annual basis. Her lawn and flowers were her pride and joy. Many bouquets of peonies were given away. In winter she would knit siwash sweaters with intricate patterns or maybe a quilt or often an afghan. After the children were grown she decided she needed something more to do so Helen worked in Macklin and Provost at the lodges as an assistant cook. She enjoyed making special things for the seniors and it gave her life tremendous purpose. In 2000, Lloyd passed away. Having Harold and Beryl next door, Helen was able to live at the family farm for five more years. In 2005 she moved into the alternate housing and then the nursing home where she would wheel her wheel chair up and down the hallways. On January 10, 2013, Helen passed away peacefully at the age of 101 years. Helen lived her life for her Savior and we are sure there's a celebration happening in heaven. She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her daughter, Norma (Cliff) Paulgaard; daughter in law, Beryl Goodman; grandchildren, Cheryl (Bernie), Janice (Bruce), Rodney (Joanne), Philip, Rodger (Corrine) and Sharon (Dwight); great grandchildren, Derek, Lance, Brittany, Natasha (Patrick), Sheldon, Kyle, Shelby, Joshua (Carla), Alexandria, Carl, Katherine, Katelyn and Travis; great great grandchildren, Tori and Bentley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd; son, Harold; grandson, Bruce; brothers, Earl and Paul; sisters, Rhea and Beula.