JANET MACKENZIE WATSON

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JANET MACKENZIE WATSON (née RYDER) May 9, 1931 - October 27, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Watson in Edmonton, Alberta. Janet was predeceased by her father John Hubbell Ryder and her mother Florence Gill Ryder (née Mackenzie). Janet is survived by her husband of 61 years, Douglas Watson; her two brothers, Thomas and Alick, and their families; her children, Martha (Willie King), Ian (Janine Pearson) and Alick (Anne); and her six grandchildren, (Emily (David Clanachan), Christopher, Maxwell, Fiona, Gillian, and Anik), each of whom she adored and celebrated. Born and raised in Toronto, Janet graduated from Bishop Strachan School in 1949, and began studies in Home Economics at the University of Toronto, where she continued to excel. She was a proud alumnus of both BSS and U of T, and cherished her BSS friends throughout her life. In July, 1950, Janet crossed the country and travelled to the Yukon via BC ferry, where she met her future husband, Douglas Watson, a native of Carcross. Married on August 26, 1955, in Toronto, they promptly headed West. Janet showed fortitude in those early years, setting up house many times as Douglas's career took him throughout BC and into Alberta. In 1965, with three young children, they settled in Winnipeg, and were immediately part of the vibrant community there. Janet was a tireless volunteer, through her work with St. Agnes Guild, St. George's Anglican Church, and in particular The Thelma Wynne Project. She took great pleasure in gardening, in creating handwork, and in sleuthing out her family's genealogical roots; a hobby that took her on field trips and conferences to Scotland and to the US. Throughout their lives in Winnipeg, Janet was always leading the family in activities: canoeing to Lower Fort Garry to celebrate the anniversary of the HBC, trekking off-road to cut down the family Christmas tree, summer evenings at Rainbow Stage and Folklorama, and much much more. In 1971, Janet returned to school, graduating with an Education Certificate from the University of Manitoba. She spent the next year teaching Grade One at William Osler Public School, whereupon she retired! For decades afterward, she would discover and announce the latest triumphs of her Grade One students. Janet continued her intrepid ways in her later years, as she and Douglas travelled extensively: British Isles, Europe, South Africa, Australia, Hawaii. She knew every inch of Canada, had friends from coast to coast to coast, and loved her country tremendously. In 2013, Janet and Douglas moved to Edmonton to be near their daughter, Martha. Again, she entered this new chapter with sparkling optimism. In the last years, as throughout her life, she faced health challenges with tremendous courage and grace. She will always be remembered for her engaging smile and her generosity toward others. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Anglican Parish of Christ Church (Edmonton). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George's Anglican Church for The Thelma Wynne Project, St. George's Anglican Church, 168 Wilton ST, Wpg., MB, R3M 3G3 . (http://www.rupertsland.ca/mission/thelma-wynne-project/).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2016