JUNE 29, 1931 – MARCH 4, 2024
Doreen Godbout (née Cabeldu) was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife during her incredible 92 years of life. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Lisaard House in Cambridge, Ontario on March 4, 2024. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her wit and endearing determination.
Born on June 29, 1931, in Guelph, Ontario, to Harold “Hap” Cabeldu (Bump Bump) and Loretta (Keating) Cabeldu (Little Bird), Doreen was an independent spirit from the start, always forging her own path. She loved going out dancing with her friends, and on one such night met Gaetan Godbout, who she would eventually marry on May 5, 1953. Together, they welcomed five children, creating a bustling household that later moved to London, Ontario. Their home became the neighbourhood gathering place. Doreen would often tell the story of the principal summoning all the kids and teachers back to school from Doreen and Gaetan’s pool over the loudspeaker, a testament to the lively and inviting atmosphere they nurtured. Eventually settling in Cambridge, Ontario, Doreen continued to host family dinners, cherishing time with her children and grandchildren. She also spent half of the year at their Fort Myers, Florida home while they had it, where she enjoyed driving around in her convertible and visiting Sanibel Island.
Doreen was feisty and independent, and had an undeniable sense of style—she was always dressed to the nines. Her strong will and candid honesty were matched only by her exceptional cooking skills, leaving a legacy of cherished recipes to be enjoyed as a timeless tribute to her. A lover of travel and shopping, Doreen found her greatest joy in the company of her many close friends and family. Above all else, she loved her family fiercely, especially her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
Wife of the late Gaetan Godbout. Much loved and admired mother of Randy, Brian, Daryl, Debbie, and Greg; mother-in-law of Bruce, Chris, Mary, Sarah, and Ruth; adored “gramma” of Oliver, Jason, Nicole, Ben, Danielle, Taylor, Spencer, Fraser, Brooke, Wesley, Cole, and Alex and their partners; and great-gramma to 14 great-grandchildren.
Doreen is predeceased by her husband, Gaetan (2006); her son Randy (1981); her parents, Harold “Hap” Cabeldu and Loretta (Keating) Cabeldu; and her siblings Donald (Joan) Cabeldu, Irene (Don) Humphries, and Harold Jr. (Ilene) Cabeldu. She is survived by her siblings Fred (Maureen) Cabeldu, and Jacqueline (Ken) McGladrey.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519-621-1650). A private graveside service will take place at a later time.
The family would like to express their gratitude and deep appreciation to the incredible staff and volunteers at Lisaard House for the wonderful care they provided Doreen. A special thanks to the staff and residents at Seasons Retirement Community and her Personal Support Workers who became Doreen's friends over the last few months as well.
In place of flowers, please consider a donation in Doreen’s honour to Lisaard House in Cambridge.
Arrangements entrusted to Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
