We Remember

GODDARD, Heather

May 15, 1958 — December 11, 2025

Heather Jean Goddard was born in Grand Bank, NL on May 15, 1958. She was the first child born to William and Mavis Sturgeon.

Heather is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Sarah (Matt); son, Aaron (Meagan); sister, Linda-Ann; granddaughters Aria and Everly; and her soon-to-be-born grandson.

Heather was a lifelong learner whose passion for music helped shape her life. She began her musical studies in piano as an elementary student, and grew up collaborating with singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles. Following high school graduation from Prince of Wales Collegiate in St. John’s, NL, she studied music at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB from 1975-1979 where she was the recipient of several awards and scholarships. It was during those undergraduate years that she met Ron Goddard, a clarinetist, who she wed in 1980.

She completed a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Literature at the University of Western Ontario in London, ON. Heather and Ron moved to Brandon, MB, where they both taught at the School of Music at Brandon University and collaborated in concerts. Heather taught piano classes, private piano, theory classes for music education courses, and music appreciation courses. Heather was also a classroom teacher and music teacher at Riverheights and New Era Schools in Brandon, where she served as musical director and conductor of several choirs and music groups.

Heather and Ron welcomed their daughter, Sarah, in November 1982 and their son, Aaron, in August 1988. In June 2000, the Goddards moved to Kelowna, BC. Heather taught music at Central Okanagan Academy for several years. Despite severe health challenges, including being diagnosed with Parksinson’s Disease in her early 30s, Heather was a fighter. She achieved her dream of obtaining her Ph.D. in Music in 2004 from the University of Minnesota, while managing Parkinson’s Disease.

Above all, she loved her family and friends more than anything, teaching all of us the importance of positivity and gratitude.

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