ANNA SAINT WATTS

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ANNA SAINT WATTS Anna Saint Watts died peacefully in Regina General Hospital, Regina, SK on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, with caregiver Audrey McCarron by her side. Born March 6, 1920, in Scotland, Anna came to Canada as a British Subject at age five with parents Jim and Jean Penny. Sixty years later, it was a source of some amusement when she was finally sworn in as a Canadian citizen in order to get her Canada Pension. Anna grew up on the Penny family farm near Argyle, Manitoba, sharing a happy stone house with siblings Peggy, Rose, Betty, Jean and Lawrence. During the Depression, Anna learned generosity and compassion from her mother, Jean, who was always ready with a meal and a kind word whenever a homeless, unemployed man came to their door. Anna trained as a nurse during the Second World War, graduating from the Misericordia School of Nursing in 1944. She had been preparing to attend her 60th reunion in Winnipeg when she was taken from us. Anna was proud of her nursing career, particularly the time she spent as Head Nurse of a Tuberculosis ward. She married Donald William (Bill) Watts in Winnipeg in 1957. Their son Jim was born in 1961. The family moved to Regina in 1962 where Bill and Anna spent many happy years. Anna was an avid bowler. She also was a whiz at Scrabble. Anna and Bill supported the Fraser Pipe Band of Regina, both while Jim was a member and for many years afterward. They were also members of the Sons of Scotland, Camp Balmoral No. 177. Anna fought her own Parkinsons Disease for more than 25 years, and served on the Board of the Saskatchewan Parkinson Disease Foundation. Anna outlived many stricken friends, all the while supported by her loving husband, Bill, who passed away only last June. Anna was a kind, generous person with many fond friends and acquaintances. A resident for eight months at Gladrheims Care Home in Regina, Anna was active in engaging her housemates, especially those whose illnesses made communication difficult. Just last week, she separated some blooms from her Mothers Day bouquet to give to a housemate who needed some cheer. She will be missed. Anna is survived by son James D. Watts and daughter-in-law Cathy Plowman, of Toronto; and sisters, Betty Yearwood, of Mississauga, and Rose Andrews, of Saskatoon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, May 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina with Danna Armstrong officiating. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. Arrangements in care of Speers Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Services, Regina, SK. Condolences to the family may be e-mailed to reception@speersfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 2004