DUNNVILLE—Jean Goodfellow, a longtime Dunnville resident, will be reaching a remarkable milestone this year as she turns 100 and continues to live a life rich in family, community, and service.
Born in Hamilton on December 13, 1924, Jean’s story traces the experiences of a woman who has shaped her community over decades through her work, passions, and care for the people around her.
Jean’s early years reflect a simpler time. Her parents owned a house on Hamilton’s beach strip, where families came by bus on weekends, and life had a rhythm all its own. This changed when the family purchased a 50-acre farm on the outskirts of Dunnville, moving there in 1934.
Jean attended a one-room schoolhouse. Her path after school was defined by resilience and hard work. As a young woman, she worked at a local fishnet factory before eventually meeting her future husband, Victor, whom she met in high school.
During World War II, she worked at the Hamilton Bridge Company in engineering and drafting, drawing pieces to be cut from armour plates for military vehicles. With a guard outside her office, she spent long hours meticulously drawing and inspecting the factory process, contributing directly to the war effort. Her contributions were significant but classified, and she was unable even to share details with her father, a World War I veteran.
Jean also worked as an engineer for the Community Telephone Company and Bell Telephone Company. She recalls travelling around for three years, changing party-lines into single lines.
After the war, Jean married Victor and together they built a life grounded in family and mutual support. They had two daughters, with one of her daughters later tragically passing at the age of 33. Jean’s commitment to her family remained strong, as she helped raise her grandchildren and kept the memory of her daughter alive through her active involvement in the family’s lives.
One of Jean’s lifelong passions has been her dedication to Girl Guides. Starting as a Brownie leader, she eventually became a commissioner, guiding young girls and becoming a role model for countless members of the community. She was known as “Mrs. Goodfellow” to generations of young women in the community, who fondly remember her guidance, encouragement, and community spirit.
Jean didn’t just participate – she led, bringing her unique energy and dedication to the Guides, the Brownies, and her many other roles.
In her later years, Jean and her friend and business partner Agnes Hyatt became the co-owners of Dunnville Florist. They created floral arrangements, particularly for weddings, and won awards for their beautiful displays, which adorned Christmas windows and special events throughout the area. Hyatt handled the business side, while Jean, the “dreamer”, focused on design, even traveling to Hawaii to learn about unique floral techniques. They developed a reputation for creativity and excellence, leaving an impact that lasted even after the business changed ownership.
The significance of Jean’s involvement in her community has not waned. Whether it’s dressing up for the Santa Claus parade or attending the Mudcat Festival, she is a beloved fixture at local celebrations, often sporting her iconic Christmas hat.
Halloween is another highlight each year for Jean in the community, as she took pride in transforming her home into a wonderland of spooky scenes for local children. Her house on Queen Street became famous for its Halloween decorations, featuring ghostly streamers and hidden “eyeballs” (gelatin-covered marbles) for children to “fish out”.
Through all these pursuits, Jean has remained a cornerstone of her community. Over the years, she has also made an impact in the Eastern Star, a Masonic organization, where she took on a leadership role and spent years in volunteer work.
An active participant in the community, Jean has never let her age slow her down.
Kevin J McKee grew up living next door to Jean. He recalled how, in her 90s, she once served as a matchmaker, introducing him to his now-wife over lunch at Chestnut Lane Café, where she jokingly insisted that McKee wasn’t dating anyone suitable until she intervened.
McKee said when Jean got involved in something, she was involved until she became the leader. Wanting to recognize her community involvement and to celebrate her 100th birthday, McKee got the ball rolling to have Jean appear in this year’s upcoming Santa Claus Parade in Dunnville.
She has also received a certificate congratulating her on her birthday from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and McKee has hopes she will also be receiving a certificate from King Charles III as well.
Jean attributes her long life to good health habits, like not smoking or drinking, as well as keeping busy.
Happy 100th birthday, Jean Goodfellow. Here’s to a century of memories and continued happiness in your community. Your life, marked by love, laughter, and service, has left an indelible mark on all who know you.
