Susan Christensen (née Goddard)
December 8, 2012
Sue faced her battle with cancer in the same way that she faced life. She chose laughter and a smile when many would have chosen tears. She fought with determination and courage and took strength from her family and a vast circle of friends who shared each step of the journey with her. Sue’s greatest sources of joy were her loving husband, Mike and daughters, Tia and Olivia. She took solace in the knowledge that though she would not see her daughters grow up they would always be cared for and surrounded by love. She passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at the age of 44 with her family at her side. She is survived by her parents, Michele and Dianne Goddard, siblings Stephen Goddard (Lisa), Cate Verberne (Rob), Andrew Goddard (Stephanie), Michael Goddard, mother-in-law, Nora Christensen and her late husband Richard, sister-in-law, Jan Scholz (Paul), brother-in-law Geoff Christensen and many nieces and nephews. Sincere thanks to Dr. Rachel Schaefer and the staff from CCAC and the Cancer Centre. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, on Friday, December 14th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Sue are asked to consider St. Joseph’s Health Foundation or the L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program.
The strength of her spirit will inspire us, always.
Leave a tribute for Susan Christensen (née Goddard)
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Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mike & family, May your memories give you strength and the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue was an angel among us. Mike, Tia and Olivia and the rest of the family I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming months and hope that you will keep each other close and treasure each other. She will live on in your hearts and honour her spirit and loving ways.
Our hearts ache for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Dear Mike, Tia & Olivia - Our deepest sympathies to you and your extended families. We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Sue was an incredible person; she had an infectious laugh and a smile that could brighten anybody's day. Her passing will be felt by many. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending a big hug from our family to yours. Sue, Kevin, Bronwyn, Celtyn-Aoife & Aedhyn Allgrove-McCarty
My deepest condolences to your families. I remember Sue as Cate's big sister, from my days at Oakridge and spending time at the Goddard's summer cottage, she was so beautiful and fun. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Peace be with you.
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
My sincerest and deepest condolences to the Goddard and Christensen families. Susie was so many things to so many people. She gave of herself, and to life, with abandon to her family, friends and patients. I last saw her within the year. She faced things with a smile and a firm resolve over all these years. Her family was paramount and she leaves us what she lived-LOVE! I have kept her in my heart and prayers and know the brightest star in the night sky will be Susie guiding us and reminding us of the preciousness of each day. She will be remembered and celebrated through the countless lives she touched.
I was never fortunate enough to have met Sue, but I know from what I have learned from others she was a loving caring person full of love. I wanted to send my condolences to Mike and the family and to let you know that God will be there for you to give you strength through this tough time. My thought and prayers are with you.
Sue was an amazing woman.Her courage and strength was inspiration for all who knew her.Mike, Tia,Olivia & Nana Nora,our thoughts & prayers are with you always."God Bless Sue" you will be deeply missed.May you're beautiful spirit surround you're loved ones always.
Sue was an amazing women and I am honoured to have known her. Through everything everytime I would see her she had a smile on her face and an outlook that I always admired. My heart goes out to her husband, her beautiful children and her entire family.
Sue- always bright and full of light. It was a blessing to know her - Waht a gift! Sending hugs and peaceful thoughts to you ~Olivia, Tia, Mike and Nora during this time of sadness and challenge.
Sue- always bright and full of light. It was a blessing to know her - What a gift! Sending hugs and peaceful thoughts to you ~Olivia, Tia, Mike and Nora during this time of sadness and challenge.
Our sincerest and deepest condolences to the Goddard and Christensen families. Mike, our thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this time of sadness.
Mike, I am so sorry. Unfortunately over the last number of of years we did not meet under the best of circumstances. Sue was a great person, and always met me with a smile. My family will be praying for you and yours......Andy, Emma, Jessica & Addison
Dear Nora and family, My deepest condolences to your family. May the strength and courage that Sue imparted on your family be remembered and continue to impact your lives. Dale (friends of Nora)
Our deepest condolences to Mike and girls with the loss of Sue. Our thoughts are with you and family at this time of sadness..
Dear Mike and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and sympathy are with you, your daughters and the rest of the family during this difficult time. Although Sue is no longer with you in person all the wonderful memories you have of her will be with you forever, noone can take them away! My deepest sympathy, Grace.
Our deepest condolences go out to Mike, Tia, Olivia, Nora for the loss of Sue. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sue always had a big smile when we crossed paths. She will always be remembered by our family. May you find comfort in memories of her and cherish them at this time of sadness and forever. Lots of love - Don, Carrie, Megan and Evan
Nora, Mike, Tia, and Olivia, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. She was truly one of a kind. We are thinking of you all in this sad time. Love Kelly, Madison, Mason and Dawson.
My condolences to all on this very sad occasion. I had never met Sue but heard many loving recounts by Nora at work. May you continue to feel and share Sue's beautiful energy as she lives on in all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mike and your kids, and your famillies. Love and peace to you. The Vormittags
Dear Mike and Diane and families, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time of Susan's passing. We wish you God's loving comfort as you pass through these difficult days. Sending our love, Cal and Juli Kane
Always bubbly, energetic and bright, with that dazzling smile lighting up her face. Always friendly to all. That's how we remember Sue from our Oakridge days together. We are so sorry for your loss, Mike and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ggdring
Dear Mike,Olivia & Tia ........my deepest condoleances for your loss and my hearth & thoughts are with you . I'm sure that Sue is in a better place and she will be guiding you in your daily routines. Love, Aunt Margo
I was very sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Our paths crossed again this past year because Sue and my sister, Caroline shared a common bond with their cancer journies. I last saw Sue at Caroline's visitation at Westview in April. I was honoured that she had come to see our family during what must have been a very difficult time for her. Sue was a very strong, positive and courageous young lady with a passion for life. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Mike, I was deeply saddened to learn of Sue’s death and I would like to express to you my sincere sadness and sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to Dr. Goddard and his family with the passing of Sue.She was a strong and courageous women.
Sue was a great person, who I remember as always smiling. Sue had a gift of always finding the good in people. She will be missed but as a distant friend I can say that her spirit will always be present. To both families, I wish you all the best in this difficult time.
Sue was such a beautiful person, and how she will be missed, and by so, so many that were touched by knowing her....I felt blessed that I was able to be part of her life especially in the last couple of years. She taught me so much, as her approach to life, and to her death was remarkable. My heart goes out to all her family, whom she loved so much...and who took such wonderful care of her. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Mike, our deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time from the Sack Family.
Mike, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope the love of your family and friends will help bring you comfort during this very difficult time. Hold tight to your memories and take care of each other.
We are all so saddened to hear of Sue's death. Our memory is of a happy, daring young woman flying down the ski slopes, her smile always present. Our heart goes out to the Goddard and Christensen families.
Our heart goes out to Sue's family during this time. I only met Sue a couple of times through a mutual friend, but it was very evident she had a passion for life . Her energy was contagious and so much fun. Take care of each other and celebrate her life.
Dear Nora , Mike & Girls , & ALL the Family .... * Please accept Our Sincerest Condolences @ this Sad , Sad Hour of Loss. God Bless You ALL . May you find both " Peace and Solice in Knowing that Others Care ." in the Difficult Days Ahead .. Tom & Dianne Daly ( Friends of Nora )
Dear Goddard and Christensen Family, There was no one quite like Sue and it will be a long time till there will be someone like her. I feel so blessed to have met her so young and share our love of art. Her energy and outlook of life is a reminder to us to live each day and embrace all things good. I was so touched when she came to me at my dad's visitation and said such kind and truly noble words. I will never forget her. Much, much, love to you all.
We are all so saddened by Sue’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Her spirit and fun filled nature was infectious and will be sadly missed. Sue’s courage and strength was inspirational to all.
It is not very often in life that you meet someone as special as Sue. She had a genuine heart of gold...was a great nurse...fabulous friend but most of all a wonderful mom who truly cherished her life with Mike and her girls. Her courage and zest for life were admirable. Lived her life to the fullest. Love you Sue!
Seems like yesterday we were laughing in grade 12 math at Oakridge HS. You were one of the unforgettable people, Sue. My sincere condolences to Mike and the whole family.
My thoughts and prayers go to the Goddard family and the Christensen family. Sue was one of my favorite people. I am going to meet her .
My sincere condolences to the Goddard and Christensen families. I remember Sue as Cate's older sister who had a great smile and laugh. I always thought that she and Mike made the "perfect couple" in high school and how lucky they were to have found each other. I know she was a great daughter, sister, cousin, friend and mom. May you find comfort in the memories of her and cherish them in your hearts. Peace be with you. Jenny and family.
Sue has been such an incredible inspiration to everyone who knew her. Her fight was long and hard and she never let the cancer take her beautiful spirit, it will live forever in those who loved her. Mike, Tia and Liv, you made her life so whole and she received so much strength from your love. We are now here for you, and hope that you will lean on us whenever you need to find a little extra strength during this difficult time and beyond. Big hugs Lara &Chris
Cate and family, I am deeply saddened by Sue's death and the great loss you all must be feeling. She is now at peace and she is your angel who will tap you on the shoulder with every fond memory that you hold so deep within all of your hearts. Hugs, Cathy Litwin
I was very sad to hear about Sue's passing. She came to Caroline's visitation when she was ill herself. I would like to think that Sue and Caroline are now hand in hand running thru a field of wild flowers. My sincere condolences to the family.
I was sad to hear of Sue's passing. I have wonderful memories of Sue on 5SW St. Joseph's Hospital as a student nurse. They were truly the best of times. Lots of laughter. Every once in awhile Shaun and I would bump into Sue at the Loblaws and talk about our old 5SW days together. It was truly a blessing to have known her. My condolences to her family. Godspeed Wendy Thornton
We taught both Mike and Sue at Oakridge Secondary School and they are two students you would never forget. We will keep Sue and her family in our prayers.
My condolences to the Goddard and Christensen families. I remember Sue running hurdles in the field behind her house, and being a gracious host to both our grade 8 and grade 13 graduation parties. Sue earned her wings far too soon, and I pray she is at peace.
My thoughts and prayers go to the Goddard family and the Christensen family. Sue was one of my favorite people. I am going to miss her
So very sorry that Sue lost her battle to Cancer. She was a delightful person to know and had a smile I will never forget. Sue was a one of a kind person, God truly knew what he was doing when he made her. I know she will be laughing with the angels and she is finally free from pain. She will be missed, I feel very blessed to have worked with her and call her my friend. Sue was a wonderful person and it is so sad that she did not have more years to enjoy her life.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. We will always remember beautiful Sue strutting through the halls of Oakridge High School. Our love to the Goddard and Christensen families.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mike and family.I only knew Sue for a short time while I took care of her through Bay Shore Home Health for about 3 weeks.She was always "bubbly" and a very sweet lady.She is finally at peace and looking down on her loving family.Take care,Laverna Genereaux
Our sincerest condolences to the Goddard and Christensen families. We are so sorry for your loss. I also remember Sue as a smiling and laughing person roaming the halls of Oakridge. Our sympathies are with both families.
Mike, Tia, Olivia, Nora and to all of Sue's family, sorry seems too small a word to express how deep our condolences are felt. May you find comfort in her peace. We will always remember Susie for her terrific smile and her loving ways. Our favourite memories include her doing "triage" on her door step, delivering grey goose and a doctor's note to our home, bragging about her ebay finds, and her random applause when she sat on the back deck listening to Katy! We all feel so blessed to have known her. She will continue to be an inspiration and a not so gentle reminder to embrace life and not take a minute for granted! Sending you all our love and prayers.
Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember meeting Sue for the first time in grade nine when you pointed her out because you had a crush on her! How luck you are to have found your soul mate at such an early age. I hope you can find some peace in the wonderful memories you have created together. My condolences to you, your beautiful daughters and the rest of your family.
Mike, Tia and Livvie: Words cannot express the heart breaking sadness that I feel for your loss. Sue ran out of miraculous rebounds and is finally at peace. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that she smiles her fabulous smile down on all of us and is enjoying eternity with the same verve she enjoyed life (and can eat poutine with reckless abandon)!
Di & Mike--our thoughts & prayers are with you & the rest of your family @ this very, very sad moment in time. We sincerely trust that all your fond & loving memories of her will sustain & support you in the years to come. We know you will undoubtedly enjoy her legacy of her zest for happiness, fun, your 2 grand-daughters & Mike. God Bless. Bhano & Joe
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(Donated to L.H.S.C. Cancer Centre Program)
~ Jen & Jeff Eaton