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- [S4] Obituary.
WIDEN, Iva (Cupie) Passed away peacefully in the Smithers hospital on May 7, 2005 at the age of 81. She was a beloved wife of 43 years to Alfred, (Bobo) Widen, a devoted mother to 15 children, a proud grandmother to over 45 children, a great grandmother to several, and a great-great grandmother to one.
Iva was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, May 17, 1923. Growing up on the Atlantic Coast instilled in her a love for the water and fresh fish. She had an especially close relationship with her father. Some of the fondest memories she spoke of were from her childhood days with him in the outdoors, fishing and camping.
Iva married at a young age to Jim Goodwin. After many hardships due to his alcoholism and the devastating effects this brings to a marriage, a fresh start was to be had in a move across Canada to Burns Lake, B.C. Despite her best efforts, the marriage eventually failed and she was left with the enormous task of providing for a family of 11 children on her own. This period of her life in the early 50s was an extremely difficult one. She told of harshly cold winters, with a small wood stove, poverty never knowing where the next meal would come from, and other great hardships. With the help of the older siblings caring for the younger, she had no choice but to take on a job at the local diner. This is where she met Alfred (Bobo) Widen in 1958. Story has it that he left all but a penny for a tip. They fell in love and eventually had four children together and have been married for now for over 43 years. Many winter weekends they could be seen dancing as they did, so beautifully together.
Most summer weekends were spent doing what Cupie loved most being out in the great outdoors fishing and camping at different lakes in the area. In the early 70s, Bobo built a make-shift raft and towed an old Forestry cabin across Chapman Lake. This was a dream come true for her a home away from home. She would often refer to Chapman Lake as God’s country and anyone that knew her, could clearly see that being on the water, camping and fishing with her family, brought her much joy. Many a Thanksgiving dinner was made on the lake by her sometimes serving up to 40 people, on a small propane stove in a one-room cabin. She had turkey with all the trimmings, homemade buns, fresh pies, all made to perfection and done with ease and grace. All were welcome. She provided many wonderful memories there for her children, her grandchildren, and now even her great-grandchildren. To this day the family has a love for Chapman Lake because of what she created it to be. Christmases were a special time as well, she was generous to all. Great thoughtfulness went into each present. Her loving and helpful hands were always busy doing something for others until the crippling pain of arthritis took the use of them in the 90s. This was another great personal tragedy as she loved to knit, sew, tend the house and cook, but could no longer do so. The last years of her life brought more physical suffering with a stroke that took her mobility and her body was riddled with constant arthritic pain.
Despite all of her struggles, she displayed strength of spirit and character that few do never giving way to depression or losing hope, but always looking forward with optimism and wit. It was a true inspiration to see the devotion Alfred showed to his wife as she had to rely on him in her final years to just accomplish some of life’s basic and simple tasks. Iva Widen was loved by all who had the privilege to get to know her. There isn’t a person who can say they gave more to her than what was received.
A memorial service was held on Saturday May 14th. In keeping with her wishes she was cremated with her ashes to be laid to rest at the lake that she so loved.
She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by her surviving family: Husband Alfred (Bobo) Widen, Sister Becky (StClaire) Crosby, Sister Elenore (Stan) Jones, Brother Sidney (Bula) Skinner. Children: (Judd) George (Clara) Goodwin, Jim Goodwin, Dorothy (Trevor) Bond, Dianne (Gary) Bush, Gloria Ward, Wayne Humble, Donald Humble, David Humble, Gerald Goodwin, Geraldine (Jack) Keswick, Debbie (Ryan) Stumborg, Joyce Pottinger, Emil Widen, Ivan (Carol) Widen. Remember her with a smile today; She was not one for tears. Reflect instead on memories. Of all the happy years. Recall to mind the way she spoke, and all the things she said and did. Her strength, her stance, her smile and her hearty laugh. Remember this instead.
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1923 - 2005 (81 years)
Siblings
. George GOODWIN, b. Est 1948 (Age 76 years)
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