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ANNABELLE EMMA WATSON
Born: Dec 24, 1916
Date of Passing: Jan 27, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryANNABELLE EMMA WATSON Peacefully, on January 27, 2017, Annabelle Emma Watson passed away. She celebrated her 100th birthday just a month earlier. Annabelle was predeceased by her brothers, Jack, Murdo, Alf and Donald; her sister Phyllis; her husband Doug; her son Jim; and son-in-law Steve Bitterman. She is survived by her sister Lorna; her children, Bob (Suzanne), Marlene and Peggy (Pat); daughter-in-law Sherry Watson; her grandchildren, Neil (Lori), Kelly (Greg), Erin (David), Allison, Tracy (Rick) and Vicky (Paul); and 12 great-grandchildren. Annabelle was born on December 24, 1916, one of seven children. She served in the RCAF during the Second World War, and married Douglas Edward Watson in September 1946. They settled on Lipton Street in Winnipeg, where they raised their four children - James, Robert, Marlene and Peggy. Widowed in 1969, Annabelle got her first driver's licence and her first job outside the home as a clerk at Muir's Drugstore. She was very active in Harstone United Church, teaching Sunday School for many years, and later joined Sturgeon Creek United Church, where she was a member of the congregation, as well as an active member of the Crafters. She was also a long-time volunteer with the Manitoba Theatre Centre, and was honoured at a reception in 2008 for over 50 years as a dedicated volunteer. In 2012, Annabelle made Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence II her home. She loved her beautiful south-facing apartment and enjoyed sitting on her sunny balcony as often as possible. Five days a week, Annabelle went to her morning exercise classes, following her own advice that the secret to a long and healthy life is to keep moving! She enjoyed all the activities that SCII offered, including movie nights and weekly entertainers. The greatest joy in Annabelle's life was her family. She was a loving mother, and instilled a strong work ethic in her children. Her grandchildren brought her great happiness and she had a very deep and special love for her great-grandchildren, never tiring of holding a baby in her arms. The love she felt for her family was reciprocated. Her grandchildren loved her company, and her great-grandchildren looked forward to visiting her. Grandma made the best tea, and always had a pot ready with a plate of cookies for a good visit. In the words of her granddaughter Allison, "every grandmother is special but ours was extraordinary. It was never lost on us how lucky we were to have her as ours and she will be in our hearts for the rest of our lives." Annabelle also had a wide circle of loyal friends of all ages whose visits she enjoyed immensely. Many thanks to Dr. George and Dr. Joshua for your kindness, to Val and the compassionate nursing staff at the Grace Hospital 5N and to the caring staff on 4E. In accordance with Annabelle's wishes, a family graveside service will be held at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2017
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Bob and Suzanne - I am so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She sounded like she was a very extraordinary woman - which I could have had a chat and cup of tea with her. You and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs. Gail xo - Posted by: Gail Bettger () on: Feb 08, 2017
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Annabelle was a lovely and kind person. She was a good friend of my Mother's and we spent many fun times having tea and goodies with her. My sincere condolences to the Watson family. - Posted by: Brenda Read (Friend) on: Feb 06, 2017
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Aunt Annabelle was an important figure in my childhood memories. Our families visited back and forth as we were growing up. When I graduated high school, I went to Winnipeg and got my first job before entering university. Auntie Belle and Uncle Doug graciously opened their home to me and I stayed with them that summer. While attending university and the years I lived in Winnipeg following, I could always count on being invited over for a nice dinner. Auntie Belle carried herself with dignity, was a gracious hostess and was loving and kind. She lived a good, long life but will be deeply missed. My condolences go out to Bob, Marlene, Peggy and their families. - Posted by: Heather Blackwell (Niece) on: Feb 04, 2017
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Auntie Belle was a truly beautiful, caring human being. She is my Mother's sister and they talked to each other every day until my Mother passed away. Auntie Belle was a very important part of our lives growing up and this continued even after I grew up and moved away. A visit to Wpg. was never complete without a good visit to see her. She always made me feel that I was important to her and I always knew she loved me. As you wrote, she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the ends of the earth. She is reunited now with Uncle Doug, the love of her life. I will miss you so much, Auntie Belle. Love, Sandra - Posted by: Sandra Alexander (Niece) on: Feb 04, 2017
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It has been my pleasure to have met and known Annabelle as a friend. She was a very lovely lady and she will be missed.My sincere condolences to all the family. Sincerely Christine - Posted by: Christine Hashimoto (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2017