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GRACE ANNIE OLWEN WATKINS KING
Born: May 08, 1927
Date of Passing: Oct 22, 2023
Offer Condolences or MemoryGRACE ANNIE OLWEN WATKINS KING
It is with great sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of Grace on October 22, 2023, at the age of 96.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son Chuck; daughter-in-law Linda; grandchildren, Brian, Bret, Ashley (BJ), Meghan (Shannon) and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Maykenzie, Keanna, Gracelyn, Isla, Scarlett, Hudson and Harrison; brother Robert Watkins; and many other dear relatives and friends.
Grace was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John Sr.; son John Jr.; parents, Robert and Miriam; and brother Charles.
Grace was born on May 8, 1927, in Brooklands, Manitoba to Robert and Miriam Watkins, and was the youngest of three children.
In her younger years, Grace enjoyed speed skating, spending time at the roller rink, playing bingo with her mom at East End Community Centre, bowling with the Sons of Scotland, and spending time at Grand Beach.
Grace graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and later went on to work at Eaton's department store. She found her true calling as matriarch of the family, devoting her time to care for her children and grandchildren.
Grace had a special love for her soulmate John. The two were married in Winnipeg in 1951 and had two sons, John and Chuck. Grace was very proud of her boys and loved them dearly. The King house was often filled with neighbourhood kids and family visits, which brought much joy to Grace. Every year, Grace and John would take the boys on a family holiday, creating many great memories.
Grace spent many summers camping in the Grand Forks area with Linda, Ashley and Meghan. She loved the girl’s camping trips, and especially loved to “shop till she dropped” at the stores in Grand Forks.
Grace was happiest when browsing through dollar stores, doing word search and jigsaw puzzles, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, going for drives to Winnipeg Beach and Selkirk, and most of all loved being in the presence of her family.
She loved visiting with, hearing updates about, and seeing new pictures of all her great-grandchildren. Grace’s face would light up at the sight of her family and she would greet them with the biggest smile.
Grace loved dogs and it was evident that dogs loved her as well. In a room full of people, they would always find Grandma to cuddle up on, and knew she’d have a treat (or two) waiting for them in her purse.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Mihalchuk for years of care, home care staff that were like family to Grace, and the N3East staff at Concordia Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace’s memory can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.
A celebration of Grace’s life will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2023
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I'm so sorry to hear of your passing from this life. I'm sorry I'm late but I wasn't told about you being gone. I just happen to look in Ashley's Instagram and seen a post about this. I'm so sorry cousin Chuck about Mom. Tell the boys I give my condolences. I'm so sorry Linda King and grandaughters Ashley and Meghan along with their kids. To all our King side of the family stay strong to my other cousins Brenda and Arlene and their children and grandchildren. RIP aunt Grace, say hi to Mom for me plz. Uncle Johnny is waiting for you along with Aunt Margaret Uncle Neil and Mom Irene.. - Posted by: Shelley Wadden (Aunt) on: Nov 03, 2023
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Auntie Grace was such a kind and giving person. We had such fun with Her on our shopping trips later in her life. We first took her to Walmart because she wanted something to put her important papers in. She bought something but was not impressed with the store. She wanted to go Dollarama. Off we went and spent far too much time in there, but not for her. She was in heaven. After our first trip there, we researched and found there was a Dollarama at the KP Mall and we could eat there too. Her order of French fries and coffee never changed but she would always ask us, “Are you done yet”, so could get to her favourite store. Covid hit and that put a sudden stop on our trips which all both missed. From youngsters Auntie Grace was always there for us. We admired both Auntie Grace and Uncle Johnny for their love and dedication to family. We will miss you Auntie Grace. Love Arlene and Brenda - Posted by: Brenda and Arlene (Nieces) on: Nov 03, 2023
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My condolences to family and Chuck. She was a good person. - Posted by: Gary kehler (Friend) on: Oct 29, 2023
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My condolences to Chuck and Linda, all the Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. I fondly remember her smile, and the fun times spent at the Kings' house on Johnson Ave. She was a special person, I affectionately called Mrs. Claus (how it started I can not remember, it goes back to he 1960s). I can't remember her not smiling or meeting anyone who she didn't treat with kindness and laughter. Always smiling, despite the practical jokes played by John Sr., John Jr., and Chuck. A great Lady, Rest in Peace, Mrs. Claus. - Posted by: Larry Peacey (family friend) on: Oct 28, 2023
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I wish to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother. To Chuck and Linda and the rest of the family, hold on to your memories of the good times and to each other. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Aubrey Settee (friend) on: Oct 28, 2023
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So sorry to hear of your Moms passing! Remember her fondly from birthday parties and sporting events! 💐💓 - Posted by: Lois (Family friend) on: Oct 28, 2023