JUNE MARIE (CUPP) WATSON

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JUNE MARIE (CUPP) WATSON June 26, 1924 September 15, 2007 June passed away peacefully at Carman Memorial Hospital with family at her side. She will be greatly missed by her children, Ruthann (Cam Six), Larry (Linda Strong Watson), and Marnie (Martin Hill), grandchildren, Isaac Watson, Tirzah Watson and Jon Six, sister Eileen O'Brien and brother Keith Cupp, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends across the country. She was predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) Watson in 1993, her parents, Don B. and Ruth Cupp, brothers, Lisle and Robert, sisters, Joyce and baby Cupp. June was born in Froude, Saskatchewan, and moved with her family to the Rainy River district of Ontario when she was 13. She attended Provincial Normal School in Winnipeg, and taught in several communities in Manitoba during the 1940's. In 1950, she married Bob Watson of Homewood, Manitoba and they raised their family in the Homewood/Carman community. In the 1970's June returned to the field of education, first as the librarian at Midland Collegiate Carman, then teaching grades 7 to 10, and finally as a student again at the University of Manitoba where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1977. In the 1980's, June was hired by the Rural Municipality of Dufferin to be the editor of the municipality's centennial history. The resulting book, the blue book , won the Manitoba Historical Society's Margaret McWilliams Medal in 1983. June's passion for the arts, history, learning and serving the community were expressions of all areas of her life experience. Many people benefited from her encouragement and support. She was involved in numerous organizations, including the Dufferin Historical Society (charter member), the Provincial Heritage Sites Grants Board, and the Golden Prairie Arts Council, where she was honoured with a life membership. Her pottery was shown at the Pembina Hills Art Gallery. She was a palliative care volunteer in Carman for several years. She travelled around western Canada, Europe and Asia, making friends along the way. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2007, 2:00 p.m., at Carman United Church. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to Carman Memorial Hospital (Palliative Care), Box 610, Carman, MB R0G 0J0, or Carman Active Living Centre, Box 2224, Carman, MB R0G 0J0.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2007