As previously posted on Natasha's Facebook page, Natasha had some specific ideas about her Celebration of Life. Two weeks before she passed, the four of us sat together and Natasha, using her letter board, told us she wanted a big funeral in the mountains with everyone from school. A mint blue and white theme with lots of stargazer lilies was on the list as well. And, She wanted everyone to ride their bikes (a nod to Liam's passion for biking).
Finally, she told us she wanted to be cremated, and for us to keep her ashes on the mantel above the fireplace. In this way, she wanted to stay with us.
After her passing, after the candle light vigil, and after all her friends had come to say good bye, Natasha went from our home to Alberta Children's Hospital. The following day, her brain and that damned tumor were made available for research - part of her legacy towards finding a cure.
She was cremated on Monday August 8 and her ashes are now in our home.
What follows is the obituary and details for Natasha's Celebration of Life.
Natasha Gould
12 year old Natasha Rose Gould, of Calgary, Alberta, was received by God at 7:30pm, August 4 2016. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family and friends.
Natasha was born in Calgary on January 28, 2004 to Saskia Van Breevoort Gould and William (Bill) Leslie Gould, along with her older brother, Liam Pieter Gould.
She attended Battalion Park Elementary then Calgary Connect Charter (formally Calgary Science School).
Natasha participated in a wide variety of activities including Sparks (Brownies), soccer, horse back riding, skiing, snowboarding, singing, dance, drama, reading, writing and music. Writing, music, singing and dance, with a love of being outdoors, were a constant theme.
At age 11, Natasha’s life took a sudden turn on May 1, 2015 when she was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a highly invasive cancer of the brainstem. Her desire to live life to its fullest and to communicate her experiences with others led her to a role of advocacy regarding childhood cancer. For the 15 months of her life with cancer, Natasha strived to experience as much as she could from this world. Her diagnosis was also a test and enrichment of her faith in God. She was water baptised in November 2015 and developed a strong desire to pray for others. See her story at www.prayfornatasha.ca
Natasha is survived by her mother, Saskia Van Breevoort Gould; Father, Bill Gould; Brother, Liam Pieter Gould; her dog, Ryder and cat, Mia; Grandparents Antonia Van Breevoort, Lynn and Lefty Gould as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Natasha’s Celebration of Life will be August 26, 2:30pm at First Alliance Church, 12345 40 St SE, Calgary, AB
All who have been touched by Natasha’s journey are encouraged to attend. Following the service and reception there will be a 45-minute Mountain View bike ride. Please bring your bikes.
“Stay Happy and Live Long”
