MARTIN

The Remarkable Life of Goldie Edna Wynacht Martin

Goldie Edna was born in Bridgewater to William and Gertrude (Oickle) Tompkins on July 25, 1921. 

Her father, Billy, worked at the local Butcher Shop on King Street and for the town to keep the roads safe in the winter months. Her mother, Gertie, was a neighborhood midwife and had a “calling” to assist anyone in need. Goldie shared many memories about staying up by candlelight, watching over sick friends and family until dawn, then heading off to school. Goldie really cared about people; that was her divine purpose in life.

Goldie’s siblings were Grace, Harold, Dean, Beatrice, and William Jr., all of whom are deceased.

The Tompkins branch of the family:

Grace and Gus - Nancy Draper (Bob) and David Murray (Monique)

Harold and Sally - Liz Durling (Luke), Donna Conrad (Paul), Louise Wentzell (Wayne), and Dianne Trupp (Fred)

Dean and Gertie raised her son Wayne (Donna)

William Jr. and Marjorie - Gavin and Patricia Purdy

Starting in the 1940’s, Goldie’s own family began to grow.

1942: Goldie gave birth to her son, Wayne, who was adopted into the Tompkins family by Dean (Gertie). It has been said that she gave birth to Wayne in Chester at the “Butter Box Baby” Home. The love and bravery to give him the best life possible were her remarkable gifts. That was Goldie, always giving. Wayne passed away in 2025 with his loving family present.

1943: Goldie married Dawson Wynacht. He was asked by his best friend to inform Goldie that he had been deployed and was unable to meet with her. As life would have it, Dawson proposed and married Goldie within two months of that meeting. This was shortly after the end of the Great Depression and at the height of World War II. Couples then had to get married immediately if they wished to secure a home life.

1944: Goldie gave birth to her second son, Donnie (Lynn), who predeceased her in 1966 due to a hunting accident.

1948: She moved to Copper Cliff, Ontario, with her husband, Dawson, so he could work at INCO and provide for his family.

1949: Goldie gave birth to her daughter, Linda (Fred). Linda currently lives in the US with Fred and her step-grandson Nick. 

While in Copper Cliff, Goldie was committed to helping others. She was the President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Branch #224 of the Legion, and helped in the community, whenever needed: church, family, community, and friends. 

The Wynacht branch of the family, nieces and nephews:

Peter (Mariella), Judie Coady (Ken), Nancy, David, and Paul Langille (Mary)

After Dawson passed away in 1979, she met and married Gordon (Bud) Martin and eventually moved back to her hometown of Bridgewater. 

1982: After her marriage to Bud, she became stepmom to five adult children:

 Anne (deceased), John (Deb), Barb (Mike), Lynn (Frank), and Jamie, all from Ontario.

Back home in Bridgewater, she is survived by her daughter-in-law, Donna (Himmelman), grandson, Kim Tompkin (Dawn Uhlman), two great-grandchildren, Kyle Tompkin (Sarah) and Hollee Lowe (Justin), and one great-great-grandson, Wyatt Tompkin. 

We cannot forget that she was also Grandma to her beloved grand puppy, Gizmo. 

A special “adopted” daughter, Gwen Wamboldt, has been a blessing in Goldie’s life, caring for her and Bud for over 22 years.

Goldie’s fondest memories are being a true Nova Scotian; playing auction 45 since she could barely walk, getting fish from the dock and taking it right home to cook, and eating dulse, smoked mackerel, and blood pudding.

Thanks to the care staff at Ridgewood Assisted Living for providing support and love for the last ten years. They are considered her family as well.

A celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2026. Details will be updated when confirmed. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.A. Corum Funeral Home, Wileville. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca

Goldie will be missed by all who knew her, and remembered for her laugh, her smile, and her love of life. She would love for her legacy to be remembered by offering a hug, a kind word of encouragement, or a simple gesture of kindness as we continue our journey.