Obituary of Frances Newfield

Frances Mary Goodvin was born December 22, 1921 to Jenny and Irvine Goodvin. Frances carried the prestige of being the first baby girl born at the Red Cross Hospital in Pouce Coupe, BC. Frances' young years and early childhood were spent with her parents on trap lines in Fort Nelson, BC riding along with her parents as they delivered mail from Beaverlodge, AB to Pouce Coupe, BC to a boarding house in Taylor Flatts as her father worked his trap line up and down the Peace River. Frances always spoke of a Christmas when she got a wooden rocking horse that her father made. Its mane and tail was made out of her mother's long hair that she cut especially for that purpose. When Frances was 12 she welcomed her baby brother Irvine. She and Irvine had a bond like no other. His name for her was Francy. As they grew, their love for music, cards, and games kept them occupied and entertained as they moved with their parents to numerous places in the Peace River Country. At the age of eighteen Frances met Frank Stredulinsky. They married on September 3, 1940 in Hythe, AB. Frances became step mom to Irene and through the next 54 years Frances and Frank raised five more children Gordon in 1941, Ron in 1944, Carrol in 1949, Don in 1952 and Judy in 1964. She taught all her children how to play crib by kerosene lamps as the lighting plant was only used for necessary power. She taught them the value of a mother's love and how a home should be. Crafts and homemade items were her specialty for Christmas' and Birthdays. Cooking, baking and canning were a staple to her and her household. She canned moose meat and vegetables to last through the winters. Her specialty homemade root beer was so fizzy it had to be opened in the washtub! Frank passed away in 1994, Frances continued to live at the farm. In 1996 she met Harry Newfield and they were married in 1997. Moving from the Stredulinsky homestead was a challenge for Frances, but being in town offered the chance for her to make new friends at the Seniors Hall. She became the cashier for the Monday lunches and loved her job. After Harry's passing in 2003 Frances moved back to the farm for a while but she did certainly miss her friends and events in town. After a couple of tries renting, Frances found her home at Rotary Village and lived there until her admission into the hospital. Frances passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013 in Dawson Creek at the age of 91years. A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel, Pauline Haycock officiated. Interment will be at a later date. Frances was predeceased by her parents; Joe and Jenny Goodvin, brother-in-law; Joe Stredulinsky, husband; Frank Stredulinsky, husband; Harry Newfield; brother; Irvine Goodvin, and son; Ronald Stredulinsky. Frances' passing leaves to mourn Gordon (Vera) Stredulinsky, Don Stredulinsky, Irene (Jerry) Taylor, Carrol (Ron) Wyant, Judy (Jack) McPherson, 20 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great Great Grandchild. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Frances to the Senior Citizens Society 1101 McKellar Ave Dawson Creek, B.C.V1G 2S2 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium