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FREDA ANN WATTS (TILLER)
Born: Oct 13, 1930
Date of Passing: Feb 26, 2012
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation
FREDA ANN WATTS (nee TILLER) October 13, 1930 February 26, 2012 Freda passed away peacefully surrounded by her children at St. Boniface Hospital. Left to forever cherish Freda's memory are three children: Carol (Larry Robinson), grandsons, Christopher and Matthew (Tara and great-granddaughter Leah); son Bryan and granddaughter Marnie; daughter Barb (Brent) Gamey, granddaughter Jaclyn Christie (Mike Laurin) and Garret McMillian; sister Bernadine (Albert) VanLandeghem and their children Brenda, Donald and Wayne (and their families); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Freda was anything but your typical 1960s housewife. She worked part-time as a floral designer for over 30 years; first at Windsor Park Florist, later at Eaton's Flower Shop, and lastly at Lakewood Florist. She would quickly admit that she hated flowers but could tape and wire 100 boutonnieres faster than anyone, but her love of the business came from the creative outlet it provided. Freda met and married the love of her life Alf in 1950 and although there were plenty of moves in the early years, they built a house in Windsor Park in 1961 and Freda made it a warm and welcoming home for family and friends for too many years to count. Her door was always open. Her kids often brought home friends (some even moved in for months at a time) to enjoy some of Freda's hospitality. She was a fantastic cook and we'd like to think world-renowned for her cabbage rolls. Open mind, open heart, open door. She personified all of that and more. After being born in Bruno, Saskatchewan to parents Rose and Joseph Tiller, Freda moved along with her siblings Trudy (Ted Graves), Joe (Florence) Tiller, Anton (Judith) Tiller and Bernadine (Albert VanLandeghem) to Winnipeg in 1940. The family settled in the North End where her father, a talented carpenter, built many houses. Freda and Alf met at a drug store at the corner of Sargent and Arlington and they said it was love at first sight. During her final sleepover at the hospital with her granddaughter Jaclyn, she was asked about her favourite life memories and she said it was her trips with Grandpa. We know how much they enjoyed travelling to Phoenix to spend time with Alf's brother Bill (Gerry) Watts. Time spent with her sister Bernadine (Albert) at Grand Beach. Numerous trips to Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Victoria, one grand adventure to Spain, and many impromptu gatherings at the Ching farm in Darlingford. Freda belonged to two Rummoli groups. One group has been playing since the early 1960s and the other for at least 25 years. These ladies who were neighbours and friends became Freda's sorority sisters. We know how important they all were to her and thank each of them for visiting in the hospital, calling to pass along words of encouragement and expressions of sympathy. She also loved going to the Casino. Whether it was a day trip or an overnight excursion, Freda was game. Although she'd say she wasn't very lucky, she still enjoyed the pursuit of the big jackpot. She also started playing the same lotto numbers back in the mid 1980s - a ritual that must continue. She said if my numbers come in and a ticket hasn't been bought, heads will roll. The family would like to express their gratitude to Freda's family doctor Kevin Coates, the doctors and all the staff on the 4th floor at the Asper Centre for their recent care, support and kindness extended to Freda during her recent stay. A Celebration of Freda's Life will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 1:00 3:00 p.m. at the Inn at the Forks, 75 Forks Market Road. As per her wishes there will be no formal program, so please feel free to drop by between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 to share a story, reminisce or just share a glass of wine to toast a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation (www.stbhf.org donate now ) and if the hospital could buy that spare Baxter pump they look for at least six times a day that would be great. You will be missed every day. Give Dad a big hug and kiss when you see him.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 29, 2012
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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In the early years of our respective marriages we shared accommodation in a three room suite each of us with a newborn and without discord. Our relationship with Freda and Alf has been the same for the ensuing 62 years. Freda was not one to put on airs or pretend to be something she wasn't. What you saw is what you got. She wasn't one to Pussy Foot, she spoke her mind like it or not. Our continued admiration for her was undying devotion to her husband and family. If you only had one sister-in-law it should be Freda Watts. Our sympathy to Carol, Bryan and Barb and their families at this difficult time. - Posted by: Gerry & Bill Watts (sister and brother-in-law) on: Mar 02, 2012
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F--Friendly,full of fun,faithful R--Remarkable E--Everloving,enjoyable D--Delightful,dearly loved A--Affectionate,A great wife and mother,aunt Sister-in-law,and grandmother That's our Freda and we are going to miss her so much. Go in peace to be with Alf. Carol, Bryan,Barb & families--our condolences. Gerry & Bill - Posted by: Gerry & Bill (sister-in-law & brother-in-law) on: Mar 02, 2012
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Barb, Brent, Jaclyn and family. We all had the opportunity to get to know Freda over our years of friendship and she truly was one of a kind. As others have commented, she had that quiet wit that made you laugh. We know you'll miss her deeply; however we also know you have so many fond memories to cherish. Our thoughts are with you. Love Candace, Sherrie, Marj and Cathy - Posted by: Sherrie Buhr (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2012
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Thinking of you at this time of sorrow. Remebering all the wonderful times at the Beach and family functions with both of your parents. She will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Barb Van Landeghem & family (Christopher, Derek and Erica) () on: Feb 29, 2012
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I loved Freda/Frannie and her energy. With her quick wit and in that soft gentle voice, she would utter remarks that were completely and totally unexpected. Barb, Carol, Bryan - you all have something very unique and special in you that is Freda. Knowing your family for the time I have, I know that you all loved her dearly and will miss her in your lives and especially your routines with her. It's a very special gift to have the kind of relationship that you had with your Mom and Grandmother. Our sincere condolences to you all for your loss. RIP Frannie. With Love Cheryl & Colin xo - Posted by: Cheryl Anderson (Friend) on: Feb 29, 2012
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Aunt Freda was one of the most caring and understanding people in my life. She always opened her home and heart to me and I gotta tell you she was just so damn funny too. I will really miss seeing her whenever I make it to Winnipeg. I am also so sad for Carol, Bryan and Barb with the loss of their last remaining parent. Please take care of yourselves. Love Linda - Posted by: Linda Watts (niece) on: Feb 29, 2012
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One memory of Freda that stands out the most is when I first realized Freda’s unanticipated spitfire personality. This was at Barb’s house for Jaclyn’s bridal shower. Freda was expressing the likes, or I should say, the dislikes of her living arrangements. Thinking I was giving some insight, I pulled Jaclyn aside and said “I don’t think your grandma is very happy where she lives”. Jac laughed and said “that’s just Freda, you will see”. Jaclyn’s response sparked curiosity, and with that I paid more attention to all of Freda’s clever comments. As I got to know her a bit better, I immediately realized what a remarkably witty and hilarious women she was. Although I did not know her well or for very long, I can easily see her attributes reflected in her welcoming and loving family. The “open mind, open heart, open door” policy Freda developed, certainly carries on in the family she created. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Love Teri & Craig - Posted by: Teri & Craig (grandaughters friends) on: Feb 29, 2012
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My auntie Freda was a very special and loving person and I am going to miss her dearly. We often talked and laughed at many things. She often said we were so close because we were the "black sheeps" of our respective families. Often the "bad" words would escape from both of us in our many conversations but it was never in a negative manner. She was so giving I cannot describe it but we all know what a giving and unselfish person she was. A life to be remembered and a memory to cherish. I will always carry my Auntie Freda in my heart and my soul. Go in Peace. I will miss you. - Posted by: Larry Graves (Nephew) on: Feb 29, 2012
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So sad to hear about the loss of Frieda she will truly be missed at our Maplehurst functions. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. - Posted by: Yvette Leveque (A sorority sister from Maplehurst road) on: Feb 29, 2012
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