GODSON MOLDOVAN MOLDEN, Mary Louise
Posted: June 30th, 2023
MARY LOUISE VIOLET GODSON MOLDOVAN MOLDEN
June 30, 1921 to November 15, 2020
Yearly bursaries for members at Nord-Bridge Senior Centre will be given out for Art, Yoga, and Walking to honour “Vi’s” life and the appreciated and loved senior citizens of Lethbridge.
WELCOME TO LETHBRIDGE
The historic Lethbridge Landmark. Bowman Art Centre building.
Once perfect for all artist occasions. Celebration of artistic talents! If you were looking for one of the finest art centres in Alberta, it was Lethbridge, with the rolling coulees along with the famous Brewery Garden. Later came the beautiful Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens. Designed by Dr. Masami Sugimoto and Dr. Tadashi Kubo of Osaka, Japan. Opened May first, 1988. Complete with bridges, buildings and bonsai, Robert and Stella Hore. (Natalie)
THE BEGINNING A SHARED IDEA?
THE SUGAR BOWL CREATED
On top of the coulee hills Scented thriving wild Alberta blooms spelled out the words; “Welcome to Lethbridge!” How did the idea start? A young Mr. Shcrujin the founder of The Sugar Bowl in Lethbridge (for safe tobogganing) had liked the idea of a rock garden on the Coulee.
THE MAYOR
Mayor Shakleford had also liked the idea of a rock garden on the coulee when heard from artist Violet, while visiting 2113 – 8 Avenue South, Lethbridge. (A few evenings the mayor had slept over in the carefully prepared basement guest room.)
CITY GUESTS
Other city guests who frequented the home, consisted of Kathy Evans, Joan Waterfield, Mr and Mrs Buzzard (Lethbridge school superintendent), Mr Molson (of Lethbridge Pilsner and Lethbridge Lager beer). Known also for his orange crush label. (In 1965 the soda pop company was sold to 7-up Lethbridge Bottling limited.) Mr Fritz Sick only visited 2113 – 8 Avenue South a few times.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Violet became the entrepreneur of the popular company called Cradle Pictures, Mrs Lenaugh, the sales promoter. The 5’7 pictures were sold to proud parents. Key chains could also be purchased. Violet developed film, consisting of the new born babies of the Regional Hospital; in her at home dark room built by her husband John. Her mind was creative and artistic.
ENVIRONMENT
John Moldovan Molden, Violet’s husband along with her, possibly sparked the idea of a building a magnificent rock garden, filled with Alberta wild blooming blossoms on the Coulee. Some doubters at the time said flowers and grass could not grow on a rolling hill. They scuffed at the idea. The idea was daunting, how could the grass be cut or watered on coulee hills? John had said “Dr. W. Fairfield who worked at the experimental farm, had intentions to plant flowers to keep the coulee hill from collapsing. “Tom Jones, (not the singer) was reportedly the gardener in the 1950’s. He never visited the home and neither did Mr. Fairfield. John had said “he was an amiable fellow with environmental visions”
SPRUCE LIKE CIGARS IN SIZE
In 1958 more spruce trees were planted for a wind break on the Coulee Brewery Hill. Mr John Moldovan Molden came home with 12 tiny spruce trees lined up in his work shirt pocket.
Violet planted these trees no larger than your little finger! Like cigar size. John asked his wife “do you think they will grow” Violet responded with “We will plant them and see”
Grow the tiny trees did! For approximately 65 years the blue spruce trees once the size of cigars, have grown in the back yard of 2113. The trees and the thriving wild Alberta flowers were the main reason for a curious Mr. Molson and Mr. Fritz Sick visits to the home.
1960
Yet the little lady from British Columbia now a young Lethbridge resident was right, the first trial run on the hill, consisted of a small built up rock garden which proved the areas would hold needed moisture and produce a magnificent growth of blossoms. Different Grass seeds were planted and a strong one met with success. In 1960 perhaps it was Violet’s comments and her love for her British Columbia rock gardens, that Mr. Jones head gardener at the time, with a team of experts in 1965, were called in building a huge Brewery Garden rock display, complete with boulders and a stunning waterfall.
BOULDERS
During these years, a person who donated money, for a landslide area removed the boulders, helping clear the highway, the boulders could be hauled away and kept. Some of the coulee garden boulders were brought in from Frank Slide, British Columbia and the Johnson Peak Out-ram Lake region of British Columbia. John brought some of them in.
GREETINGS
“Welcome to Lethbridge” sprawled across the 6th Lethbridge Brewery Coulee Hill. Some of the flowers planted were Alberta wild flowers, hearty in the strong Lethbridge winds.
SHARING SEEDS
John planted the same seeds near the family home, and where they still grow. (John had brought them home, carefully sprouting them in moist cotton batten)
Mom privately called the home flower area after her friends, Evans and Waterfield. A triangle cement fishpond was built on the property by John with thriving goldfish.
GOOD CITIZENS
Yes, the Coulee Brewery Gardens, along with the famous Bowman Building, Artists had to look no further to be encouraged to thrive professionally.
The Lethbridge people are welcome good people. They take really positive care of each other.
MEMORY
All ages experienced inspiring memories of a life time at the Bowman.
The teachers offered a unique and interesting interactive art experience. The student adult artists were full of fun, and relaxed. Each day as a celebration of life and its creativity thru the artist’s eye. A perfect place!
Art for youth and older adults gave each person a God given possibility to experience connections with people.
Small classes were engaging with a diverse curriculum. Branching out to multiple forms of developing knowledge.
THE BOWMAN
The Bowman art sessions for adults, children and teens, started under the talented art teacher Kathy Evans,
Later Lethbridge artist Mary Louise Violet Molden, became her assistant for adult art classes. The art students warmly called her assistant by Violet or Vi. (A name her father John Godson, had chosen, for his child, “Violet” after the pretty delicate flower)
Kathy Evans started instructing Violet with a demanding art program that would be strictly followed. Violet would be the preliminary students teacher before Kathy presented the main course.
OH OH
With the entire program laid out, Violet be-groaned, announced to Kathy, “oh the students won’t like me at all, with the lessons I have to prepare”. Kathy had promptly responded with a smile, “that’s art”.
STUDENTS. WONDERFUL.
Violet was so proud of her students. On her art wall in her home, the art surrounded you by the devoted student sketches; when they first began and followed up as they advanced.
She was so satisfied with their advancement. So proud of their achievements. “I taught them,” she would say, sentiments found in her heart. Yes, her students were some of the best and most talented artists around Lethbridge. Perhaps the world!
HONOR
“It has always been an honour to meet the inspiring focused students” Vi had said. “So many challenges, so many reward, so many valuable experiences”
DAUGHTER
Her daughter Gloria earned many art scholarships, thru high school, college, and university under the first guidance of her Paternal Grandmother then later, teacher Kathy Evans, youth division. Next came the Banff School of Fine Art and then the existing “Alberta School of Fine Arts” She became an award winning book illustrator for fund raisers and important causes. She enjoyed sketching horses.
ARTISTS. THE LEGION.
Many members of Violet’s extended family continue enjoying art. Violet’s Mother, artist British/Irish Canadian Mary Calvert Godson (Molly) (deceased) had taught her young daughter Violet, and later her granddaughter Gloria, water colour and shading. Violet’s brother Ralph (deceased), drew wonderful ships in perfect detail using the medium of black and brown ink. Her talented Godson nieces Gail, Judy, Shelley, display artistic endeavours as well.
A young Michael son of Barrie (deceased) a grandchild who enjoyed many afternoons sketching with his paternal Grandmother; doting on his talent. Georges-Emile’s and Gloria’s children received much appreciated scholarships for their Poppy; Remembrance Day original posters. Thank you innovated Legion members for inspiring youth!
As youngsters the Georges-Emile and Gloria’s children, (Violet and John’s Grandchildren) sang in the Ann Campbell Choir.
The girls wore green, gold, light blue stripe, knitted fabric of polyester, elastane, plaid high waisted; flared, knee length, over all pinafore dress with a square neck and crisp white long sleeved shirt and tie. White leotards. Stylish black rubber soled; block healed, black patent dress shoes. Accompanied by thousands of smiles.
The boys wore V vests of knitted polyester, elastane plaid, green, gold, with a light blue stripe. White long sleeved crisp shirts and tie. Black dress pants, with stylish black rubber soled, lace up genuine leather shoes, or loafers, with a chunky heal. Accompanied by thousands of smiles.
Mr. Arthur Putland was an exceptional motivated organist, at the South Minster United Church.
The teacher Ann Campbell had remarked the fabrics gold colour represented sunshine or wheat fields. The light blue stripe, beautiful skies. The colour green for meadows.
Shannon Coffman with energy directed the choir younger members.
Skilled Seamstress Dolores Christie had sewn the choir boys vests and the girls over all jumpers for one season of performing choirs.
The Grandchildren were also involved with: Lethbridge Star Singers (Bev Murkley); Mishas modelling academy – uncompromising quality (Michelle Tompkins); Lethbridge instrumental bands; Bowman Arts Centre; Alberta Summer Games; Alberta Senior Games (Grandmother); Alberta Royal Conservatory of Music Competitions (Harp, Violin, Trumpet, Piano, Voice, Drama); French language outreach; Lethbridge Chinese language school (Chinese Alliance Church); College Student Exchange Program; DARE to resist drugs and violence – Thank you to our sea of blue, and Mounties; Rainbow Riding Academy supported by famous Kinsmen. Thank you Kinsmen; Welcome Wagon models, Welcoming newcomers Services (Fran) (Juanita); Canada Life guard graduates/
The BC Grandchildren and Calgary relatives also supported quality education, and excelled in different areas.
We thank educators.
Art is learned. There is a potential within us all.
Later in Violet’s life, eight great Grandchildren blossoming in artistic talents, reaching out into the area of advanced computer software programs. The great grandchildren are high achievers.
Successful in their studies. Rise above their peers and continue to contribute to their friends and community.
GRANDCHILDREN AND THE GREATS
Grandson Kurt father of Spencer (wife Shelley); Grandson Darin (wife Jennifer) father of Jess, Owen, Jackson; Granddaughter Melanie (husband Rob) Mother of Geneva; Granddaughter Chantelle (husband Michael) Mother of Aaliyah, Destiny and Kiki.
The next generation of Godson descendants of empowering artists.
Grandson Patric (Libby) developed art and film skills. Fine arts appreciation and is superintendent of schools. A inspiring Math teacher.
Grandson Emerson (Suda) graduated from the arts. Winning numerous art awards. Fine arts, science and entrepreneurship.
Grandson Kevin (Lauren) won many art awards, science with Hector, BSW, understudy Law. Wife Lauren women’s rights advocate and their creative Ralphie, dog paws for life.
The Moldovan Molden family decorated beautiful eggs. Exquisite.
VIOLET. THE ART TEACHER
Violet taught line water colour (when the pencil sketch shows thru the colour.)
Projected image art. Sometime the sketched lines are left showing. Chinese Art. Contemporary. Abstract. Stretched canvas, pyrography, wood canvas. Faux bois. Different mediums, and techniques, Acrylic, Oil, Pastel, and Lamination. Murals.
TALENT
When Kathy, Joan and Violet taught. There were pottery, film, ballet, drama, choirs, right in the next rooms of the Bowman. What a perfect idea! Drama under the direction of Joan Waterfield. Ballet under the direction of the highly respected dance teacher Muriel Joliffe, and her gifted daughter Carol Godlonton.
Pottery under skilled dedicated teachers along with talented weavers.
A YOUNGER VIOLET
Violet started her visual art career as a grad from College. A younger happy lady. Who enjoyed bouts of laughter. She appreciated the sincere friendships developed thru the Bowman Art Centre. She drew personalized greeting cards for relatives, friends and neighbours.
DEMOCRATIZE ART
As years passed, Violet would then extend her art to teach special need students resin art, mosaic work shops, to democratize art to the parents and public. A time with her innovative daughter Gloria, doing practicum in the cultural and artistic sectors, sciences.
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Almost each year until death, Violet would faithfully fly solo, into Montreal to be part of the largest celebrated parade in Canada and more excitement! The popular St. Patrick Day Parade.
Dressed in a warm green butterfly costume, riding in a pumpkin shaped coach waved, like the Queen Elizabeth to the cheering throngs of people. After parade activities she would cross country ski with her family at St. Bruno or Mount Tremblant.
THE SUGAR FARM
Seeing the enormous and magnificent Clydesdale horses, pulling the wagons on the sugar farm of the Paul Emile April family. Was always a thrill to Vi.
Her son in law Georges-Emile (deceased) and his father Paul-Emile would sing in French Pavoratti style magnificent powerful tenor voices ringing thru the forests crisp air.
We Live On A GREAT PLANET
Vacations when she was in her middle thirties, with her husband John, and little daughter Gloria consisted of yearly enjoyment of 6 glorious weeks of magnificent British Columbia campsites, visiting her parents (fruit acreage greeted the family with delightful aromas of B.C.) The fresh fallen dew on the waving maple leaves.
British Columbia and her breath taking abounding beauty, national parks. Wild black bears meandering along side of the highway. Fresh stream fishing. Fresh air. Rippling brooks. Cragged glorious snow covered mountains. Mount Baker. The Rocky Mountains.
The family first travelled in Johns custom made camper. It worked with bullies so conveniently could be made higher for standing room. Later the couple vacationed in a luxury coachman. John built the sparkling warm campfires cooking the delicious pan fried trout or salmon and melted marshmallows on twigs.
FRUITS
Baskets of hand picked blueberries, cherries, apples, plums, peaches, chokecherries and boysenberry were offered for dessert. Later Vi would boil the fruit and make mouth watering jams for delicious home made toast, or pie fillings. The pie crusts were made from brown flour.
PREDECEASED
Violet was predeceased by her dear husband John (Legion Member); Godson parents Molly and John; step father Septimus (meaning of the 7 son of the 7 son); Father in law and Mother In Law George and Christina Moldovan Molden; Sons – Douglas Keith deceased, (departed early 30’s) (leaving significant other half Bonnie and Katrina to mourn), Barrie Gene deceased (leaving son Michael and Jeanette to mourn) and Graham Wade (Legion) (leaving Florence, Kenny and Michael to mourn); Extended Moldovan Molden relatives and many many dear friends.
Some gone, far too soon
SURVIVED BY SON AND DAUGHTER
She is survived by her son John HRMS (Elsie) and daughter Gloria PC, OT, SW (Professor Georges-Emile deceased) – Caring Paws Therapy, Cancer survivor, (Legion) (Oddfellow) F C J Ignatious Discipline. Rev. Henry Bernard.
Gloria has received numerous accolades. John and Gloria are both caring, active environmentalists.
Violet is survived by many family members and relatives.
NAMES
In her residence of Alberta, she was known as Violet or Vi. Mary Louise was her name in Quebec.
THE LAST CHAPTER
She ended her days handing out striped candy canes with Santa, attending United Nation meetings, making jelly sandwiches for the homeless, meeting new friends, bowling, cross country, kicking her legs in warm hot tubs. Endless travels.
Flying with her son-in-law, or flying solo. The airplane and the airport was always her favourite spot to be. Violet was a cancer survivor. She lived a full life, almost to 100. Played the keyboard.
CELEBRATIONS
Due to Covid, in 2020, complications arose for celebration of her death. 2023. Celebrations will be held in her remembrance at the Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre – 1904 – 13 Avenue North on her birthday, June 30, 2023 at 12 Noon. Complimentary coffee and cake will be served to all, just ask. Proceeds are in support of Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre.
GRATEFUL FOR FRIENDS
Violet was always thankful for her Nord Bridge Friends, “I was always thankful for them”, “They were the best musicians”
The FAMOUS FUR JACKET
Violet greatly appreciated the beautiful and practical cozy fur jacket she won at the Senior Centre Nord-Bridge raffle. Dressed warm, she enjoyed the winters and all smiles snuggled in.
CELEBRATE: TICKETS: Memoriam
One adult tricycle, to be sent in November 2023. New. Tickets. Three for five dollars. Monies for Senior Centre. Painting lessons and exercise tickets. Free draw for those interested.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
What most people don’t reflect on is that these groups of young adults taught at The Bowman Art Centre, flourished into their senior years in Lethbridge and district, that means you!
Congratulations to you, and good health. Imbue your art with vigorous spirit style and enthusiasm. ELAN!
WILL BE MISSED
Always remember by those who appreciated and knew her joyful, young energetic adult years as an active caring member of the community. Grew giant gladiolus and sunflowers. Fruits and veggies. Received many top place ribbons for her art, crafts, flowers, fruits and vegetables at the Lethbridge Fair.
NIECES
Violets last years were happily spent daily corresponding with her beloved nieces via computer. She greatly appreciated the interesting, humorous and informative every day texting from her beloved Godson nieces. Gail, Judy, Shelley. Gail has an abundance of interesting talented friends. Aunt Vi looked forward to viewing their works, and Gail’s cards, each morning. She slowly and carefully typed an answer. Aunt Vi was great on the computer keyboard since she had typing skills obtained from using the old fashioned black typewriter.
POEM OF BLESSING
There is a place of BLESSING where Laughter comes easy and hard times are Shared.
Where Kindness is valued and Love never spared. A sweet place of Comfort
That’s caring and true. A place to thank God for My time spent with YOU.
A special Thank you to Violet’s excellent Lethbridge Care Givers, JGH cancer medical staff and technicians, The April Family, Dan Hartal (Deb), Dr. Steve Pinker (Rebecca)
DONATE
In lieu of a donation. Requested from Violet, Please give a little gif to The TRETHEWEY HOUSE HERITAGE SITE – in memory of The Godson Family 2313 Ware Street, Abbotsford, British Columbia V2S 3C6 or The Bowman Art Centre / CASA, or Nord Bridge Senior Centre
WHERE IS SHE RESTING?
Mary Louise Violet Godson Moldovan Molden will be in the resting place called the field of honour. Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Along side her cherished husband John, (An international soldier who proudly fought for peace. Black Watch Regiment). Both enjoyed the pipers.
HER HUSBAND’S WORK
John Moldovan Moldens careers included 6th Lethbridge Brewery Worker, home builder, lastly worked as an engineer, fixing machines in boiler rooms and mechanical equipment. His Father George Moldovan Molden was one of the labourers who helped build the Lethbridge High Level Bridge.
A BENCH IN MEMORY
A bench with the Inscription “In loving memory of Ralph and Violet Godson” will be placed in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, Cemetery, as requested by Mary Louise Violet Godson. The resting place of her Mother and Father; as well as many loved Godson relatives.
MISSING
Note to public: One of Mary Louise Violet’s large paintings went missing. We believe it could have been taken and sold thru a Lethbridge Pawn Shop. It is a unique waterfall painting in oil, painted on a long, stained dark brown jagged wooden board.
SIGNATURE
The signature would be Vi Molden or Violet Molden, located around the bottom of her painted picture. Please write P.O. BOX 33 – c/o Lethbridge Herald 504 – 7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2H1 if you see this mystery picture. The family would like to know who it was sold to have some keep sake photos of it. Thank you.
My sincere condolences to all the family. In her lifetime, she has accomplished I love my beautiful things. She was a very strong, determined woman. Many will miss her very strong, a fantastic woman.