Obituary of Barbara Joan Watson

August 17, 1934 – Edmonton, Alberta

December 10, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Joan Watson passed away on Saturday December 10th with two of her sons and a daughter-in-law at her side. Barbara (mom, grandma, great-grandma) is survived by her former husband of 23 years (Edward Hays Watson - Bud); their five children, Wendy (Wayne), Brad (Donna), Janey (Gabriel), Kevin (Sandy) and Michael (Theresa); her 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; her sister Margaret Hornby and two stepsisters Christine and Eleanor. She was predeceased by her son Cameron and her stepsister Camilla.

Barbara lived her 88 years with flair and in her own way. She passed on her love of the natural world, cooking, and eating, music and art to her children and grandchildren.

Barbara lived her life with passion, and she encouraged her children to find and grow their passions. Barbara loved the ocean and was happiest sharing her beloved Salt Spring Island. She and Bud would take the children out to Vancouver Island where she led her children into the “pull” of the ocean. We spent many hours exploring the beaches encouraged by her infinite wonder and curiosity of the natural world.

Barbara and Bud passed on their love of nature on our many camping and hiking trips, and we have lots of wonderful memories of our summers at Sylvan Lake. Barbara learned over the years to become an amazing cook and her family and friends were the lucky recipients of many wonderful meals. We would gladly pick berries when she said she would bake a fruit pie on the woodstove at Sylvan Lake. And her favorite meals to cook on a visit to Salt Spring came from the local bounty of the island - crab, lamb, halibut, and anything with blackberries. Barbara attended the Alberta College of Art, and art became her passion.

She did performance art, sculpture work, papermaking, and painting. She truly had a flair for color and design that extended from the clothes she wore to the painting she did. Barbara loved jazz music and loved to dance. She was a faithful listener and supporter of CBC radio. Barbara loved to hike, ride her bicycle and travel. She could not do these activities after knee surgery and a broken ankle, and this greatly reduced Barbara's quality of life. Not too long after this Barbara developed dementia and needed to move from Victoria to Calgary to receive more family support.

Barbara loved animals. She used to say that at times she thought she liked animals more than people. Despite this mom had some wonderful friends over the years. Barbara was a playful person, had a good sense of humor, liked to tease, and had strong opinions.

In the last few years of Barbara's life when she faced many periods of isolation and loneliness because of the pandemic she remained positive and in good spirits. She never complained and was always so happy to have people visit her. Even in the last few months when Barbara was bedridden, she would say well, let's get up and get going! Barbara's family are very grateful for the many caregivers in the later years of their mother’s life and a special thanks goes out to Cindy Toye who not only cared for her as if she was family but became a dear friend of Barbara’s. Cindy encouraged Barbara to have the fullest life that she could have right to the end. Barbara's large family will miss her.

Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Barbara Watson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.