ERNA GWEN WATTS (OWENS)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ERNA GWEN WATTS (OWENS) May 8, 1950 - February 28, 2002 On Thursday, February 28, 2002 following a courageous battle Erna Watts passed away at Concordia Hospital. Erna was born May 8, 1950 in Cypress River, MB the second child and only daughter of Winnie and Ernie Owens. In her youth Erna was active in her church and community. Encouraged and guided by her father she became a skilled golfer while her mother nurtured Ernas love of crafts and gardening. Erna leaves to mourn, husband Keith; brother Raymond (Joyce) nieces and nephews including, Jim (Gudrun) children, Katrina and Zachary, Robert (Tanya) children, Sasha, Katelyn, Nisha, and Liam of London, Kathryn (Aaron) children, Savita and Isaac of Ottawa. Keiths parents, Art and Mary Watts; brothers-in-law, Raymond (Betty Ann) and Barry (Diane) nephew Russell and nieces Dorian and Aynsley and great-nieces, Evelyn and Caitlin. She will be sadly missed by Aunty Jane and Richard Jones. She was predeceased by her parents Ernie (1993) and Winnie (1997). Keith and Ernas 28 year marriage began as an office romance. They were married September 8, 1973. After Keith, the great love of Ernas life was the outdoors. She loved the feel and smell of fresh soil on her hands. She enjoyed feeding the birds at the cottage and at home and had an extensive knowledge of bird and plant nomenclature. She and Keith spent many happy times camping with friends and later at the cottage at West Hawk Lake. Erna also enjoyed demonstrating the art of the straight drive to Keith, painting, photography and facing new craft challenges. Erna and Keith travelled extensively throughout North America and enjoyed visits to Hawaii and England. Just prior to the onset of her illness Keith and Erna enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, a vacation Erna called one of the best ever. Erna was employed with the provincial government for 29 years. She worked primarily in the Conservation Department. Her caring nature and kind heart will be greatly missed by her workplace friends and colleagues. At Ernas request cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, March 4, at 1:30 p.m. in Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. W., with Re. Jeff Cook officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in the Glencoe Cemetery, Cypress River. Keith thanks Dr. P. Harris, Dr. D. Marsh and the caring and compassionate staff at Concordia Hospital including the Oncology Clinic, 2nd and 3rd floor and I.C.U. He also thanks friends and family that journeyed with him and Erna over the course of their struggle offering love, support, encouragement, and prayers. He will always cherish the outpouring of care and kindness so selflessly demonstrated by his coworkers. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire donations in Ernas memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba ON109 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E OV9 or the Transcona Memorial Fund, 209 Yale Ave W., Winnipeg, MB, R2C 1T9. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2002