GRACE DARLING WATSON

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GRACE DARLING WATSON Peacefully on February 12, 2005, in her 95th year, Grace passed away at Golden West Centennial Lodge, Winnipeg. She is survived by her children, Patricia (Walter) Ritchie, Marilyn (Vern) Brown and Shelagh (Bill) Powell; grandchildren, Walter (Gennevive) Ritchie, Heather Ritchie (Victor Peter), Ian Ritchie, Chris (Lendel) Brown, Cory (Angela) Brown, Kerri Brown, Jeff (Rebecca) Powell; and great-grandchildren Eden and Jubilee Ritchie, Andrew and Kate Peter, Abigail and Annika Brown, and Rylan Brown. Grace was predeceased by her husband John, her second husband Bill Whyte, and her four brothers, Jim, Doug, Cam, and Ted. Grace was born in Norwood, Manitoba to William and Georgina Cormode. After graduating from Normal School she took her first teaching job in Swan River. She also taught in Cypress River before returning to teach in Winnipeg. She told many interesting stories about teaching in a one room country school. As was the custom of the day she resigned from teaching when she married John. After her children started school Grace returned to her pursuit of excellence in teaching, taking a position with St. Vital School Division. She was principal of Woodlawn School and Victor Mager School, a singular achievement for women at that time, and a recognition of her talents and abilities. It was always a great source of pride to her when staff and students were the best they could be. She retired in 1973. Grace travelled to Texas each winter where she continued to golf and also tutored in a local school. She was an avid reader and imparted a love of reading to her own children and students as well. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the value of being physically active, always leading by example. In her younger years she played goalie for her brothers, and enjoyed tennis, baseball, and cross country skiing. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and golfed into her 90th year. A very special thank you to the staff of Golden West Centennial Lodge for their kindness and compassion. At Grace's request there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Mom's love of reading, donations may be made to Winnipeg Library Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2005