Margaret Jane Louisa Watson (nee Stevenson)

Jan 1, 1930 to Nov 1, 2023

 

Mum was a brave, patient, kind, generous, tolerant, giving person. Her passing has left a feeling of emptiness in all of our lives.  So many wonderful memories of our sweet British mother with the perfect skin: her high kicks, woo oos, pepmints, & forgiving nature.  Many Birthday/New Years meals at the Club Cafe & Black Knight Inn with her extended family. Christmas meals with huge turkeys; wonderful curries; sharing of toffees & always a gift for all.  Tea was her elixir & fixer of all that was wrong – hurt feelings; losses; illness – two sugars & milk please!

Mum sewed many outfits, costumes & home projects.

She advanced her education through correspondence courses & learned to drive.

As a hockey Mum, many hours spent with 4 sons all playing consecutive games both outdoors & indoors, on any given night.  Many nights ended attending a Rustlers game, despite how cold & tired she was.

Mum was a Bobby Orr fan; enjoyed CFL/NFL & NHL games on tv, a variety of music & all Clint Eastwood movies.

Grandchildren’s visits were precious & treasured by Mum.  A special joy for her. She wrote her family often & kept every letter or card she received.

 

Mum’s travels include Lutton,Northern Ireland as a Corporal with the British Women’s Royal Airforce; Scotland with ITC & Ontario & England for family gatherings.

Dad & Mum made treks to India and Cyprus.

During her working career, she held various jobs -secretary work for a lawyer; RD Health Unit; GemAlta/Digem; Balmoral Golf Course as well as working for Dad.

 

Her latter years were not kind, as dementia progressively advanced. Yet, with loving patience & time, that beautiful soul emerged. We treasure all the years we had with her. Her ability to overcome adversity was a lesson to all of us.  We couldn’t have asked for a better Mum. Rest now Mum.

 

Mum entered this world as a 3lb baby, born in Allahabad, India.

She was predeceased by her Mother, Grace Violet Louisa Stevenson (nee Rossier) at the age of 8 mos. The first of many voyages across the waters would follow.

Raised by paternal grandmother, Jane Stevenson, in England until the age of 3 when her father married Gladys Morris.  Back to India with new sisters, Jean & Betty.

 

Twins Jack (John) & Jill joined the family when Mum was 5.

Gladys & children sailed back to England after the Quetta earthquake hit in 1935.

 

The family reunited when her father was reposted & they sailed from England.

 

Her father, James John Stevenson was killed in Cyprus in active duty (Sub Conductor/Warrant Officer with the Indian Army Ordinance Corp.) when Mum was 12.

 

The England they returned to in 1943, was full of buzz bombers & air raid sirens. A longer sail around South Africa was required to avoid the warships. A fearful youth for Mum & her siblings followed.

 

Gladys married Bob Jarvie.

As was common at that time, Mum left school at 14 to get a job to contribute to the household. She worked in shops & then joined the Women’s Royal Airforce.

David Jarvie was born about 1948.

In 1955, Mum immigrated to Canada & settled in Hamilton as Jill had done earlier.

In 1956, met Robert Montgomerie Watson who was smitten with Mum.  They were married on Sept 7,1957.

In Hamilton, there were many family get togethers with her siblings that Mum enjoyed.

In 1958, Dad secured a new job & our parents relocated to Calgary.

The busy brood of 6 kids was started in 1959.

Mum kept kids & household in order, as Dad worked long hours,including out of town work for weeks at a time.  Mum & Sister Jill visited family in England in 1966 & had arranged for a babysitter to cover.  It was clear how much she did for her family as no one could keep up.

In 1973, the family moved to Red Deer County.

Mum was cared for at the family home by son, Craig after Dad’s passing Jan 6, 2022, & we are grateful for all he did.

 

Mum is survived by her loving family:

Children: Will (Rhonda); Steve (Shelley); Jane (Rod); Andy (Carol); Craig;Michelle(Duncan).

Grandchildren: Janelle (Kris)Chad (Jodi); Kalynna,Natalya,Julija,Lyvia;Torin(Ashley)&Troy(Lauren).

Great Grandchildren: Jaiyda,Tatum & Olive.

Her loving Sister, Jill Sorenson.

Sister in law Carol (Bob) Liddle: Tom – Ellis & Watts; Mike (Nathalie); Sheri (Mike) – Alex, Teagan & Cayley and Bryce (Bonnie) – Sawyer & Jade

Nieces & Nephews: Mark Burrel & family; Craig Botton & family; Michael Botton & family; Laura Stevenson & Mark Stevenson & family & Linda Sorenson & family & Karen Martin & family.

Dad’s cousin & friend, Casey (Arlene)Jones and family. David Jarvie & family. Predeceased by her husband of 64 years-Bob; infant daughter Grace Louisa; parents; step Mum & spouse: Gladys & Bob Jarvie; Dad’s parents – William (Bill) & Ester (Tess) Watson; Siblings & spouses: Jean & Alan Burrel; Betty & Charles Botton; Jack & Iris Stevenson & nephew & niece Steve Sorenson & Kathleen Sorenson-Watson.

 

Special thanks to the CBI homecare staff.  Kudos to Bing, Clifford & Lily, who Mum grew fond of. Thank you to the Gasoline Alley team at the Hamlets.

 

A family Celebration of Life to be held Spring 2024.

 

If desired, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.  Hug a caregiver for all they do for others in need.

 

Final arrangements entrusted to Red Deer Funeral Home & Crematorium

 

• Date : 2023-11-01
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home