EUNICE BERYL WATTS (ROUTLEY)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

EUNICE BERYL WATTS (nee ROUTLEY) July 13, 1929 - April 4, 2002 With deep sorrow, Miles Watts announces the passing of his mother Beryl Watts, peacefully at home in her favourite chair, on the morning of April 4, 2002. Family and friends may take solace in knowing that Beryl did not suffer the pain and discomfort her recent medical condition could have generated. She fought a courageous battle with cancer for more than 20 years. Beryl is predeceased by her son Kipp Watts and her father Earnest Routley. Left to cherish her memory are son Miles (Traci Wright and children, Joshua, Travis and Martina) and granddaughter Madison Watts; daughter-in-law Maren and grandchildren, Chad (Kelly Knox and great-grandson Jaren), Kyle, and Stephanie Watts; mother Nellie Routley; brothers, Keith (Doreen) Routley and Bruce (Ann) Routley; sister Queade (Harold) Anderson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She will be often remembered by Errick Watts (Ignace ON), Bernice Birch, Brian (Bev) Watts, and special friends, Linda Lalumiere and Chantal Desjardins. Beryl was born in Biggar, SK, in 1929 and moved, with her family, to Saskatoon SK, Dauphin MB, and Trail, BC, before settling in West Kildonan in the late 1940s. Later, as a military wife, she spent short periods of time and made new friends in many places throughout Canada, returning to re-settle in West Kildonan in 1965 where she lived the rest of her life. Beryl was a special person to all whose lives she touched. An avid sports fan, she became involved with the Vince Leah Community Centre in 1965 and was still active in the Centres operation until the evening before her passing. She was considered an invaluable, irreplaceable "icon" at Vince Leah with an incredible ability to keep the Center and the Board running effectively. She was known as "Auntie" Beryl, and later as "Gramma" Beryl, to an entire community spanning three generations. In recognition of her dedication to the community, the City of Winnipeg will be officially naming the playground and wading pool area of the Vince Leah complex as "Beryl Watts Park" in honour of her 35 plus years of service. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 28. We are saddened that she will not be present to receive this well deserved recognition. Beryl enjoyed summer vacations and weekends at her cottage on the Winnipeg River outside of Kenora, ON, where she also had many friends. She was an avid and eager card player who spent many hours taking on anyone who cared for the challenge. Euchre, Cribbage, and Aggravation were among her favourite games. Beryl, in spite of her medical challenges and other obligations, lovingly cared for her mother in her home on Southall Drive for the past seven years, a responsibility she nurtured and maintained until very recently. She was the matriarch of the family - the pillar of strength that often held the family close. Her home was a meeting place where family and friends would routinely gather in the late afternoon for "tea," chat, and banter. Special thanks to the staff at the Seven Oaks Hospital Dialysis unit and to Dr. M. Krahn at CancerCare Manitoba for their care and consideration when treating and working with Mom. Memorial service and subsequent interment (Glen Eden) will take place on Wednesday, April 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., with Rev. Tony Maunder of Kildonan United Church officiating. A gathering for family and friends will follow at the Vince Leah Community Center, 1295 Salter St. Flowers are graciously declined. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice will be gratefully appreciated. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2002