Obituary of Marguerite Watson

Marguerite Watson of Calgary passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the age of 97 years. Marguerite was born in Edmonton on December 8, 1910. After attending St. Joseph’s Convent in Red Deer; she studied at Camrose Normal School, then taught school for six years. She met William (Bill) Watson in Edmonton, fell in love; and eventually followed him to Toronto, where they married in 1934. During the thirties and forties Marguerite and Bill traveled across Canada and in Europe educating individuals and institutions about the care and rehabilitation of the physically handicapped. In 1948 their son, Ian, was born and Bill underwent spinal surgery, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. They moved to Calgary, with the help of his family, and opened an Insurance Agency in their home in 1952; which Marguerite sold on her retirement in 1975. In 1963 Marguerite became an active member of the Soroptimist International of Calgary; serving as Club President (1966-68) and as Regional Governor in 1972. Soroptimist was only one of her “good works”. She volunteered at George Boyak Nursing Home, Christine Meikle School, Emily Follinsbee Centre, Women’s Emergency Shelter, Discovery House, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Cancer Society, Glenbow Museum Acquisition Society, YWCA’s English as a second language programme, Glenmore Park Auxiliary Hospital, Mount St. Francis Retreat House and several Roman Cathoic Parishes. Marguerite is survived by her son, Ian; grandchildren, Bobbi Jean of Calgary, Becky of Vancouver, and William of Calgary; and by two great-grandchildren. She also has nieces and nephews around the world in Nepal, Africa, U.S.A. and Alberta all of whom will miss her, as will her numerous friends. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Her family and friends extend deep gratitude to the Staff at InterCare Chinook Centre and to Marguerite’s companion, Linda. Body donated to the University of Calgary by request of Marguerite. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Soroptmist Foundation of Canada, c/o SFC Treasurer, 5650 Westport Road, West Vancouver, B.C., V7W 1V1 or the William Watson Lodge, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park P.O. Box 130, Kananaskis Village, AB, T0L 2H0, Telephone: (403) 591-7227 In living memory of Marguerite Watson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.