Obituary of Doris WATSON

WATSON, Doris (nee Lokken)
June 11, 1919 – Canora, Saskatchewan
February 12, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Edith ‘Doris’ Marie Watson – beloved and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother – of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the age of 101 years.

The only child of Jonas and Melvine Lokken, Doris was born June 11, 1919, in Canora, SK and grew up on the family farm near Tadmore, SK. After high school, Doris moved to Regina for further education and work. Then in 1948, Doris moved to Calgary, AB, where she married John Stuart Watson (predeceased in 2018) and raised her family.

From an early age, Doris loved the freedom and joy of living on the farm with her parents and beloved pets and farm animals, enjoying numerous social activities with extended family, the Norwegian community, and at church and school events in Preeceville and Sturgis, SK.

Doris often shared her memories of WWII activities that she participated in with her roommates, colleagues, friends from home, YWCA and church group. Summers were happily spent at her cottage on Crystal Lake, SK and Doris never lost her love for the swimming and golf learned there.

Doris began her career with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Department of Education, eventually retiring after having worked at William Aberhart High School in Calgary for over twenty years. The friendship of colleagues, school staff and students continued after. A secretary by training, Doris’ typing, penmanship, and office skills served her well in all of her endeavours. Embracing technology, she was still using her computer in her 99th year before she left her home for extended care.

Doris took pleasure in volunteering with her children's activities and schools, in her community (Tuxedo and Banff Trail), her churches (Northminister United, St. David's United, and Faith Lutheran), the Calgary Scandinavian Centre, the #264 Legion, and wherever else a helping hand was needed.

Throughout the years Doris enjoyed participating in many sports, along with classes in calligraphy, crafts, and cooking. Another favourite activity was family and club camping, travelling throughout Canada, the U.S. and Norway. John and Doris were keen square dancers, participating in the 1988 Winter Olympics' opening ceremony. Doris was also an avid card player, with her Bridge group for over 50 years, at community crib clubs, and at family gatherings.

Grandma Doris will be remembered for the joy she took in entertaining family and friends at home and on picnics, for her love of all things Christmas, for sewing and crocheting, for gardening and preserving, and for making the Best Lemon Pie in the World! 

Doris is survived by her children Marie Forester, Lorne (Deanna) Watson, and Gwen (Reg) Brown; granddaughters Ruth (Brent) Smith, Sarah Forester, Johanna (James) Thompson, Jennifer (Tyler) Mitzel, and Maryjane (Adrian) Brown; honorary grandchildren Emily and Jordan Forester; and great-grandchildren Riley Paulishyn, Quinn and Kelsey Mitzel, Brandon and Jay Thompson, and Stacia and Jocelyn Smith. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Archie Watson and her nieces and nephews. Doris was the last of her generation and was predeceased by her cherished parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Due to Covid-19, a Private Viewing and Graveside Service will be held. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Doris’ obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the YWCA Calgary, 1715 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary AB, T2J 5J1. Many thanks to Vytality at Home for their wonderful companions and to all of Mom's nurses and aids at Chinook Care Centre for their kindness and care.

In living memory of Doris Watson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.