Mom was born in Burns Lake on April 17, 1951 to William and Mildred Watson. She was predeceased by both of her parents, brothers Floyd, Dave, and sister Aldene.
She is survived by her siblings Dan, Jack, Esther, Linda, Connie, Bill, Bart, and Kathy. Her loving husband Tom and her daughters Crystal (Lee Havens), Kimberly (Cole Minger), Tracey (Peter Martens), and her seven grandchildren: Jeremy, Tyler, and Brandon Havens, Jordan and Madison Minger, Petra and Brooke Martens.
Mom had an exceptional large heart when it came to her family. There was nothing better she enjoyed doing then looking after all of us. Motherhood simply agreed with her, and being a grandmother was something she excelled at.
Nana wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to the grandkids. She always said that the Jeremy, Tyler, Brandon, Jordan, Madison, Petra, and Brooke were her greatest accomplishment. She adored them and they adored her. Nana would proudly attend school performances, speech art, figure skating shows and minor hockey games. She would sit there smiling from ear to ear, proudly cheering them on. When the event was over, she would go over to them, give them a hug and tell them how great they were. Her world revolved around them and theirs around her. Her love for them was endless.
Mom had a variety of jobs throughout the years. But for the last 20 years, Mom worked for Northern Health at the Lakes District Hospital. She worked in the kitchen at both the hospital and at the Pines, finally settling in at the laundry department. Working in the hospital was ideal for mom, because mom loved everything clean. Dad always said that mom would come into the bedroom while he was asleep and remove the bedding so she could wash them. And she always did it in a way that would not wake him up. Dad swears that he has purchased hundreds of washing machines, dryers, and vacuums throughout the years.
There was always so much laughter in our home. Mom would call us girls up laughing “Guess what your dad did this time” and she would have to hang up because she was laughing so hard. This was a daily event. Laughing seemed to be our second language.
Moms love for her family will be her legacy. She taught us to love hard and strong, and to love each other unconditionally.
Mom fought courageously against her short illness and passed away with family by her side as the sun rose on July 2nd. She will be forever in our hearts.
I thought of you today
But that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.
I think about you in silence.
I often speak your name.
All I have are memories
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake
From which I'll never part.
God has you in HIS arms,
I have you in my heart.