Obituary of WATKIN – Joan Lillian Ellen

December 13, 1921 – August 22, 2009 Joan Watkin, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at the Colonel Belcher Veterans Care Centre on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the age of 87 years. Joan was born to Frank and Ellen Davis in Fulham, England. She graduated from business college and enlisted in the British Navy. As a WREN, she served in communications in the Dieppe and D-Day operations. During this time, she met an officer from the Calgary Tanks, Pim Watkin. They were married in June of 1944 during a 24-hour leave. After Pim’s return from Europe, she came to Canada as a war bride aboard the Lady Nelson, first to Calgary and finally to Olds. Joan was active in the church, Legion and civil defence and she managed the Eaton’s store. In the late 60’s they moved back to Calgary where Joan worked for the Federal government, retiring from DND on disability. She moved into the old Belcher in 1997 and was an advocate for the building of the new Belcher. Joan used her love of piano to entertain residents with all the old songs. Joan leaves her son Roger (Donna) Watkin; daughter Glynis (Ed) Lamb; grandchildren, Sherrie (Frank) Enes, Greg (Anita) Watkin, Tammy (Brad) Dingreville, Teresa (Sylvain) Lalonde; eight great-grandchildren; sister in-law Gladys Davis of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Pim in 1979, her parents and brother Bob. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Family Graveside Service to follow in the Field of Honour at Queens Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through . The family’s heartfelt thanks go out to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Colonel Belcher who made it home for so many years and showed such caring and compassion during the last difficult few months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to Friends of the Colonel Belcher 1939 Veterans Way Calgary, AB, T3B 5Y8 Telephone (403) 944-7800. In living memory of Joan Watkin, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.