HELENE GRIGG WATSON (THOMSON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELENE GRIGG WATSON (nee THOMSON) Peacefully, on Thursday, July 13, 2000, at the age of 87 years, Helene Watson, our mom, left us to join the man she loved, our dad, Walter, her husband of 58 years. Helene Watson is survived by her son William (Bill) and Marie Watson, their children, Brett and Stacey and (Scott Blower), daughter Louise and Michael Yakimishyn, their children, Michelle and (James Barabash), Tanis and (Graham Hesson), and Shauna and (Curtis Risbey), daughter Bernice and Aubrey Simpson, their children, Darrel Simpson, Jim and Sheryl Simpson, and Roger Simpson. Great-grandma Watson was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, Kristin, Ryan and Regan in Winnipeg, Heather and Will of Calgary, Brittany of Edmonton and Tabetha, Jamie, Kristina, Nicholas, Alycia and Sara in the state of Washington. Helene is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Henrietta Watson and Elsie Larson (Calif.) and Kathleen Marshall (N.J.). In addition, Aunt Helene is survived by numerous nieces and nephews - the Browns, the Thomsons, the Marshalls, the Watsons; she loved them all. Helene was born in Regina on November 28, 1913 to her parents, Helena Grigg (Hattleberg) and Arthur Thomson. Helene was the youngest of seven sisters and brothers, Lilly, May, Elvira, Hugh, Freeman and Arthur. As a young woman her aspirations were to become a nurse; however, love intervened and Helene married Walter Watson, a handsome young salesman from Winnipeg. Helene and Walter moved to Winnipeg where they brought up their family. During the Second World War while Walter was with the Canadian Army Helene was bringing up their family in Winnipeg. Growing up we remember our mom as everyones mom - warm and loving, listening with an understanding ear, tending to bruised knees and sensitive feelings. She was also a wonderful cook - we grew up liking all our vegetables, even broccoli. Our mother had a tradition - every Christmas she and dad had an "open house" and everyone, young and old, was welcome - a tradition she maintained until they joined the "empty-nesters". Mom was a true and loving partner and supported our dads entrepreneurial spirit and business ventures in the pursuit of their dreams in Winnipeg, Brandon, Drayton, N.D., Amarillo and Lubbock, TX. In 1974 our parents returned to make their home in Winnipeg and enjoy their retirement years at the Courts of St. James close to family. Mom cherished her grandchildren and her hobby was sewing, and making dolls. At the Courts of St. James, mom established friendships with many of the residents; we are especially grateful to her friend, Verna, who was always there for mom. Helenes Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, July 19 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Andrews Anglican Church, 2700 Portage Avenue with Rev. Ian Mills officiating. Interment will be held in the Old Kildonan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. The Watson Family gratefully acknowledges the kindness and exemplary care provided by the very fine and devoted care givers, Dr. R. Albak and the nurses on the 3rd floor, Grace General Hospital. A special thanks to Wojciks Funeral Chapel & Crematorium who are in care of moms arrangements. Ph. 897 - 4665.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2000