My deepest sympathy for Ellen and Jane and other members of Annie’s family. Growing up on Dorfman Street with my “bosom buddy”, Ellen, I considered Mrs. Watson to be my second Mom. She was such a warm and generous person, always smiling and quick to offer her help and time to anyone in need. I will treasure my memories of her.
ANNIE WATSON,
2021
Annie (nee Holowczuk) Watson (April 3, 1916-Dec. 7, 2012) passed away peacefully with her family at her side. She now will be reunited with her late husband, James Mathieson Watson (1912-1972), her daughters Margaret Ann (LaRocque) 1940-2009, Betty Maxine (Stein) 1943-2009, her sons-in-law Helmut Stein (1936-2012), Gary Clarke (1933-1996), her grandsons-in-law, Donald Severin (1959 1992), and Roger Golding (1967-2010); she was predeceased by her parents Anton and Justyna Holowczuk and by 11 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughters Jane Clarke and Ellen Watson (Gerry Mailloux) and a daughter of her heart, Stephanie Gerchuk; her son-in-law, Ronald LaRocque, and her grandchildren: Ronald (Michelle) LaRocque, Lorrie Golding, Lisa (Terry) Rice, Anna (Rene) Champoux, Wendy (Michael) Duffin, Wayne Stein, Carl Stein (Hannah), Richard Watson (Janet), Ann Clarke, Mary (Marty) McIntyre and Gerry Watson; by her great-grandchildren: Amber and Jesse LaRocque, Suzanne (Mike) Felker, Daniel Severin (Taylor), James, Kerri, Heather & Kady Rice, Sarah and Amanda Champoux, Stephanie and Michael Duffin, Chris Smith, Jamie Watson, Mitchell and Jessica Meggit, Alecia, Emily, Payton and Hunter Clarke and Tyler McIntyre; and, by her great-great grandchildren: Abigail and Aidan Felker, Gracie Severin, Ella Stein, and Jerica Adeboyaga. Annie is also survived by her sister Tytiana Lewycky and Jean Poitras of Manitoba, her sister Mary Gogal and brother Peter Holowczuk of B.C. Annie was born in Pine River, Manitoba; the first Canadian child of immigrant parents from the Ukraine. Annie and James moved to Virginiatown in 1941 from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Here they found lifelong friends and raised their four children. Annie loved music, she played a mandolin; she also taught herself to play a guitar and the piano. She was always singing no matter what she was doing. Pansies, of all colors, were her favourite and always lined the front lawn. Many will remember Annie as the butcher at Superior Store, Ralphs and IGA; she helped out at Joe’s Lunch and at Vicky’s and was part of the First Response Team. She also spent a few years in her mid-60s, working as a tree planter at the MNR in Matachewan. She never hesitated to open her home to those who needed a helping hand. She was the heart and strength of her family and she will now and forever be our angel. Donations in Annie’s memory may be made to the Extendicare Activities Fund (155 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, ON, P2N 3P4) The family will welcome relatives and friends at French Family Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of the Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception in Annie’s honour.Offer Condolence for the family of Annie Watson