Obituary of Barbara Ann Goodmanson

Barbara Goodmanson (née Richardson McKinnon Stone)
 June 10, 1954 – May 22, 2025
 Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia

With grace, courage, and deep love in her heart, Barbara Goodmanson passed away peacefully at her cherished home in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, on May 22, 2025, at the age of 70, after a brave and dignified battle with cancer.

Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late Thelma Mae McKinnon (Zinck), Vincent McKinnon, and Otis Richardson. Her early years were shaped by the sea air and gull cries of West Dover, Nova Scotia, where her heart first discovered its love for nature and coastal life—a love she would carry and share for the rest of her days. She often recounted her joyful memories of working at the Sou’Wester restaurant in Peggy’s Cove, a place she returned to time and again with her family, guiding them beyond the view of the tourist to reveal the deeper magic of the rocks and sea.

Barbara’s journey through life took her west to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, where she built treasured lifelong friendships, notably with Fred Gates and Flo. But it was in Nova Scotia that she found her deepest roots. A blind date, lovingly arranged by a mutual friend, Sonny Shortell, led her to her first husband, Lloyd Stone of Stewiacke. Together, they raised two daughters, Wanda Lee Stone and Shelly Anne Stone, who were the centre of Barbara’s world. Her unwavering love, understanding, and devotion to her daughters remained until her very last day.

Barbara nurtured her home, her community, and the people within it with delicious cooking, a heart full of kindness, and a steadfast dedication to friendship. After her daughters started school, she began her career at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), where she worked until retirement. Her carrot cakes, baked with care and delivered with a smile—even years after she retired—are legendary among friends and former colleagues.

Later in life, Barbara found her loving partner and husband, Brian Goodmanson, with whom she shared serenity and happiness in their peaceful haven in Shubenacadie. Together they embraced nature and quietude, welcoming into their lives Brian’s sons Matthew and Andrew, and creating a beautiful blended family. She welcomed the partners of her children with open arms: Wanda (Tony Fraser), Shelly (Dana Malally), Matthew (Meg Pooley), and Andrew (Chantal Laurin). She also welcomed Dana’s son, Brandon Malally to the family.

Her greatest joy came in her role as "Nanny". In 2004, she was blessed with her first grandchild, Russell Malally, her treasured “Noosum,” with whom she shared an unbreakable, magical bond. She later welcomed Xander Goodmanson, Charlotte Goodmanson, and finally, in 2019, her “miracle,” Henry Stone Fraser—each grandchild a light in her life and the keepers of her legacy of joy and love. In more recent years, she was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to Sadie Malally, a beautiful blessing who brought her love full circle.

Barbara’s passions were woven into every part of her life: the sound of music in every room, a love for fresh laundry hung in the breeze and folded "properly," the earthy peace of gardening, a clean kitchen, cozy pajamas, daisies, and the warm comfort of a good cup of coffee. She brought laughter, softness, and authenticity into every moment, teaching by example the true meaning of love and goodness.

She is survived by her trusted and devoted sister, Gloria Publicover, and will be fondly remembered by many nieces, especially LeeAnn, Della, Becky, and Amanda, and countless friends who were like family. Among these dear companions were Linda and Greg Boudreau, Susan King, Kevin and Shelley Curtis, Glenda Sullivan, Ellen Hayes, Joann Dowell, and Marie Miller.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Messeha, Dr. Smith, Dawn Ross, and the VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) for their continued care, compassion, and support throughout Barbara’s illness. Their dedication provided comfort and dignity during her most vulnerable moments, and their presence was deeply appreciated.

Barbara’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She gave the world her love without condition and her presence without pretense. Her life was a gift, and her memory a blessing.

Visitation will be held 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Monday, June 9^th, 2025, in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie, from where a Funeral Service will be held 2pm on Tuesday, June 10^th, 2025. Reception will follow in the funeral home's hospitality area. A livestream of the funeral service will be available at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=5e7c5b4f-dd62-41d4-9f4a-ad2dd2522daa

We encourage viewers to preregister to assure that you are able to see the service live: though a recording of the service will be available later for a limited time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, whose support and research give hope and strength to countless families.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Barbara may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com