Erin Daniels
ERIN PAIGE DANIELS
(Née GOODRIDGE)
August 25, 1970 - November 7, 2024
With broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved daughter, Erin Paige Daniels, on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Grace Hospice in Winnipeg.
She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Val Goodridge (Bob Strilec), her father, Don Goodridge (Flora), as well as an extended circle of family and friends.
Erin was born on August 25, 1970 in Calgary, Alberta and grew up in the Silver Heights neighbourhood in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Her grandparents, Jack and Olive Watt, grounded her childhood. Erin’s grandma looked after her during the day, enriching her life with gardening, nature walks, art activities and shopping trips to Polo Park. Grandpa always had time to play any silly game Erin suggested. In summer she and her friends could be found in grandpa’s backyard pool with him throwing coins and the girls diving to find them.
Erin loved being with her Mom and Bob. She rarely left the house without a hug and an “I love you” as she headed out the door. She enjoyed celebrating special occasions at Rae and Jerry’s, Christmas Eve at home with cousins, Mike and Karen and their kids, Cody and Samantha or just hanging out on the deck in the backyard sharing time with Mom. Erin loved animals having hamsters and cats for pets as a child. As an adult, dogs stole her heart. Her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Winston and Clementine and more recently Louis, brought her joy and completed her family.
Erin enjoyed spending time with her dad, Don Goodridge. They would go to dinners and movies and Don enriched her life by taking her to special events such as the Calgary Stampede or a trip to the Olympics when it was in Calgary and Banff. Erin had a loving relationship with her grandparents, Harold and Anne Goodridge. She enjoyed visiting them on Pontiac Bay or driving to Clearwater Bay to spend time with them. Sitting on the dock at the lake with Grandma Anne was a favourite activity.
Erin made friends easily but more importantly she kept them, nurturing each relationship with love, loyalty, respect and a healthy dose of laughter and fun. The friends of her heart were developed in her childhood, on through high school, university and during her teaching career. Three of these friends, Robyn, Krystal and Wendy were with her on the day she passed. Erin had friends of all ages including her “other mothers”, who she turned to for advice while growing up.
Beginning in her teenage years, and continuing to the present, the “Girls’ Weekends” at Falcon Lake were not to be missed. The Sunday night date for dinner and Ninety Day Fiancé was a highlight in her week including during her time at Grace Hospice. Erin loved the lake and a friend’s invitation to their cabin at Victoria Beach, Lac Lu, Brereton Lake or Falcon would have her packing a bag and jumping in her car. She had fond memories of all those wonderful times with friends. She treasured the special times at VB spent with Sigrid and Mike and their boys and Dana and Peter and their daughters, Alex and Cady who she thought of as family.
After completing her Education degree at the University of Winnipeg, Erin joined the teaching staff of Assiniboine South School Division, later to become Pembina Trails, first in term positions at Linden Meadows and Westdale Junior High then in a permanent position at Ecole Charleswood School. There she would grow into a gifted teacher, a trusted colleague and an advocate for the children she taught. For many years, Erin taught Language Arts and Social Studies to a variety of grades. Then looking for a new challenge she took on the role of Teacher Librarian and Language Arts consultant in the school. As an avid reader, this was an excellent fit. Erin was active in extracurricular student activities, supervising team sports and the yearbook club. Despite opportunities to move in different directions, she happily spent the rest of her career at Ecole Charleswood School.
Erin was a life-long learner, taking countless professional development courses and acting as a mentor to other teachers. She was active in her professional associations, serving on the executive of the Manitoba Association of Teachers of English (MATE) for many years as well as being a member of the Librarians’ Association in the division.
From a simple trip to Disney World in Florida as a six year old, Erin developed a love of travel. She travelled across Canada with her family and close friends. She explored Mexico, Jamaica and Italy with her Mom. With her former husband, Charles, she discovered Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and England. A travel highlight was a trip to Spain with her friend, Rebecca, and a group of professional women. Erin’s favourite place on earth - her Happy Place - was Barbados. She fell in love with the island and its culture while visiting friends, returning again and again most recently this past July.
Erin experienced health challenges in her life. She met them all with courage and optimism. In 2000 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She decided then that her illness would not define her. She met each new symptom with grace, never complaining. In 2018 when she received a stage four cancer diagnosis, she once again met it head on and decided to fight. In the following years she lived life to the fullest, traveling, spending time with friends and family and pursuing the career she loved in the supportive environment at Charleswood. This August Erin made the difficult decision that she was not strong enough to go back to teaching. With great regret she left the career, the staff and the students she loved.
We are forever grateful to the staff at Cancer Care, especially Dr. Desautels as well as the incredible nurses and health care aids on 3 South at the Grace Hospital. We offer a special thanks to everyone at Grace Hospice who lovingly cared for Erin, her family and her friends.
Erin lived her life with love, courage and optimism. To honour her memory, she would expect us to do the same.
A funeral will be held on Monday, December 2 at 4:30 P.M. at Prairie Spirit United Church, 207 Thompson Drive with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cancer Care or the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Erin’s name.
Erin’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Cindy Tinsley
November 30, 2024 at 5:09 PM
it has been the privilege of my life to be in Erin's life . She taught me so much - how to order sushi, make decent mashed potatoes, to love King Charles Spaniels and Barbados- but mostly she has been the embodiment of grace, mixed in with a unique and unrivalled sense of humour and the ability to make the simplest things memorable And often hilarious. Her example as an exceptional, courageous friend, daughter, and teacher will live on In all of us .
Kathy Koop
November 30, 2024 at 11:20 AM
Val, I am so saddened to hear that your beautiful daughter has passed away! I am certainly thinking of you at this time, and offer my deep condolences as you celebrate her life and process this tremendous loss in yours! (She definitely looks a lot like you!)
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Debbie Nielsen
November 28, 2024 at 4:10 PM
Val, I am so sorry to hear the news of Erin's passing. She was a loved teacher of my son Peter at Ecole Charleswood. Hugs....
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Jane Stuebing
November 26, 2024 at 8:23 PM
I had the great privilege of being one of Erin's other mothers. I loved the little girl, joyfully wise beyond her years. I was inspired by the woman she became ... so talented, caring, faithful and loving! She left far to soon...but the beautifu memories of her will last our lifetime.
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Susan Fennell (Jaworski)
November 24, 2024 at 9:16 PM
I worked with Erin for almost 20 years at Charleswood. I have so many wonderful memories of shared teaching experiences, supportive professional and personal conversations (the latter often over a glass of wine) and laughter, I will always remember her for her strength, positivity, wonderful sense of humour, quick wit, intelligence and beauty. Rest in peace Erin. Sincere condolences to the family. I hope that in some small way knowing how much she was loved will be a comfort to you.
Michele daniels
November 24, 2024 at 4:36 PM
Erin was the little sister i never had. She was a wonderful, caring beautiful woman. I will miss her impeccable style and evenings watching Hell on Wheels with a glass of wine and nibbles. Courageous throughout her life. We enjoyed her company and generous spirit at Farlane. She is sadly missed. Sleep well and see you on the other side.
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Darlene M
November 24, 2024 at 12:12 PM
I met Erin in 2018 on a girls' trip to the south of Spain. She was a beautiful person, a kind soul and so very inspiring. I will never forget her. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends on your loss.
Bev Wilkinson
November 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM
My deepest sympathy to you Val on Erin's passing. I fondly remember the close relationship you and Erin shared!
My friendship and special condolences to you and your family during this very difficult !time !
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Brenda
November 22, 2024 at 9:34 PM
Erin was a kind, caring and devoted teacher, colleague and friend. Her glass was always half-full. Although we lost touch over the last several years, I thought of her often, especially during Jets games and our birthday week that we shared. Rest in peace, Erin. 🧚
Condolences to all who knew and loved her. ❤️
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Caterina Romeo-Mzakar
November 21, 2024 at 10:17 AM
Erin was a gift to all who were fortunate to have crossed paths with her. Her kindness, gentleness and sharp witt brightened a room. Her love of teaching and dedication were admirable. I was honoured to have worked with her. Please accept my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace.
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Karen Brawdy
November 21, 2024 at 9:54 AM
Heaven has a new angel. Erin, so beautiful, on the inside and out. Erin: graceful, kind, caring, a person of integrity, happy, fun, courageous, smart, etc., etc. Erin will be deeply missed for her beautiful presence and smile. How lucky am I to have known her, which makes saying goodbye so difficult. My memories of Erin will provide comfort, warmth, laughter, love. My dearest sympathies to her family and friends. ❤️
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Gale M'Lot
November 20, 2024 at 4:32 PM
I first met Erin when she was knee high to a grasshopper when she and Val lived in a wonderfully big house on Wolseley Avenue. Flash forward several years and Erin began subsitute teaching at various schools in Assiniboine-South. I had the opportunity for her to substitute teach in my classes at Westdale Junior High. From the get go, she was a dedicated, determined teacher. When I had to leave mid year, the one and only person I trusted to take over my classes was Erin. Teaching Grade Seven was not for the faint of heart, but Erin embraced it, faced the many challenging students head on, and always persevered in the end. Although we lost touch over the years, I will always remember her dedication, warm heart, and enthusiasm. She touched me, and continues to touch me even more so after reading about her fierce battles with multiple sclerosis and cancer. I was honoured to know her for a brief time, but her place in my heart will remain always.
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Sandra Simonson
November 20, 2024 at 3:48 PM
I am so sorry to read this and am so deeply sorry for your loss. I remember Erin well and very fondly. She was a beginning teacher when I met her. Her dedication, and enthusiasm sparked a love of learning in the students who were so fortunate to have her as their teacher. What a beautiful and gifted young woman and addition to our profession. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you.
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Verdell Smith
November 20, 2024 at 7:54 AM
I had never met Erin in person....wish I had. What an extraordinary woman living her brief life to the fullest. I do have the privilege of knowing her mom, Val, since childhood days and can appreciate why Erin flourished! A remarkable pair of mother and daughter. Hugs go out to you Val and Bob.❤️
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Jill Goodridge Wilkinson
November 19, 2024 at 9:58 PM
Erin was a very loyal person with a spunky fun loving personality. A number family events best memory was my wedding.. she was the one rally the the cousins, friends etc to set pranks thought our home. Coolaid in the shower head was the best, very creative innovative using what was available. Heaven has gained a gem!
Tannis Curtis
November 19, 2024 at 9:55 PM
Thank you for sharing this with all of us , Val. I am one of many chilodhood friends from Winnipeg who have rerunited over the years , sharing our stories, our memories , our lives now! Although I never met Erin , Val would so often speak of her , waxing lyrically , about her beautiful nature , her accomplishments and speaking of her health , of course..This tribute truly illustrates this and in these photos she radiates the love , the enthusiasm for life, the joy , beauty inside and out!! In my experience the ones we dearly love are never lost and remain in our hearts forever. Sending love to you especially , dear Val, and to the family and friends there.
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Margie Dwernychuk
November 19, 2024 at 8:17 PM
I'm so sorry Val for the loss of your loving daughter. Prayers for you and family thinking of you at this time.🙏♥️♥️♥️
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Anna McCarthy
November 19, 2024 at 8:16 PM
I had the utmost privilege of working with Erin for 9 years at École Charleswood. Along the way, I was fortunate to have developed a personal friendship with her as well. The way she spoke to our students, and captivated their respectful attention has always inspired me. She was always full of fun and innovative ideas, and I absolutely loved listening to her read to the students. I miss my colleague and friend dearly. My prayers are with Erin's family and close friends.
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Nina Logan
November 19, 2024 at 7:15 PM
It was my privilege to know Erin as we worked together on the Manitoba Association of Teachers of English, attending meetings and putting on annual conferences. She was a clever, caring teacher with a warm and generous personality.
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Scott Shippam
November 19, 2024 at 7:05 PM
I had a special place for Erin in my life. She help keep me grounded through college and would travel To UND for weekend visits full of revelry and laughter. Love you Erin! Will never forget you!
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Richard Daniels
November 19, 2024 at 5:00 PM
One of the kindest, most caring, generous, and loving persons I have ever met. The world is a little colder and darker now. But Heaven rejoices with a new angel.
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