Obituary of Vyvyan Godbold

Vyvyan Rae Godbold passed peacefully at Bridlewood Trails Retirement Home in Kanata, Ontario on the evening of December 30, 2025 with family by her side. She was 97 years young.

Vyvyan was a beautiful, delightful, radiant, meticulous, strong and caring woman. She loved and was loved by family (husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren), cherished by friends, and a welcomed addition to any new community she became part of.

Vyvyan was the only child of Velma and Harold Buchanan, born in Havelock, Ontario on June 6, 1928. In the early 1930s, the family moved to Toronto where she grew up on King Street West. By the 1950s the family had built a cottage on the Trent River system returning to their roots near Havelock. 

Vyvyan’s career began as a Kindergarten teacher in Toronto, Ontario. She was a teacher for 15 years.

Vyvyan married the love of her life, Donald Murray Godbold, on July 2, 1952 in Toronto.Together they raised 2 children (Debbie and Don Jr). Don Sr.’s career took them from Toronto to Montreal to Kanata back to Montreal and then returning to Kanata.

As life took its course through marriage and raising children, Vyvyan discovered her entrepreneurial spirit. From owning and operating a fabric shop, multiple ice cream parlours, to the sale of women’s fashion clothing - the woman was a master…

Together, Vyvyan and Don loved boating. Either in their own cabin cruiser or on large cruise liners visiting many parts of the world. The Rideau Canal and the many seas they travelled were like a second home. Snowbirding the winter in Florida was always something they enjoyed together. They also enjoyed curling, socializing with family and friends, and making new friendships.

Vyvyan is survived by her daughter Debbie Beck (Bill), and son Don Godbold Jr (Sandra). She is also survived by 5 Grandchildren, Geoffrey, Adam (Nola), Ashley, Ryan (Stacy), and Kyle (Heather). Vyvyan is also survived by 7 Great Granddaughters, Isabella, Abbigail, Blake, Ivy, Fiadh, Lenna, and Shay.

Vyvyan was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Velma Buchanan, and her husband Donald Godbold.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Vyvyan to the CHEO Foundation (Cardiology Unit).

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date in 2026.