Obituary for Grace Annie Olwen King (Watkins)
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It is with great sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of Grace on October 22, 2023, at the age of 96.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son Chuck; daughter-in-law Linda; grandchildren, Brian, Bret, Ashley (BJ), Meghan (Shannon) and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Maykenzie, Keanna, Gracelyn, Isla, Scarlett, Hudson and Harrison; brother Robert Watkins, and many other dear relatives and friends.
Grace was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John Sr., son John Jr., parents Robert and Miriam, and brother Charles.
Grace was born on May 8, 1927, in Brooklands, Manitoba to Robert and Miriam Watkins, and was the youngest of three children.
In her younger years, Grace enjoyed speed skating, spending time at the roller rink, playing bingo with her mom at East End Community Centre, bowling with the Sons of Scotland, and spending time at Grand Beach.
Grace graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and later went on to work at Eaton's department store. She found her true calling as matriarch of the family, devoting her time to care for her children and grandchildren.
Grace had a special love for her soulmate John. The two were married in Winnipeg in 1951 and had two sons; John and Chuck. Grace was very proud of her boys and loved them dearly. The King house was often filled with neighbourhood kids and family visits, which brought much joy to Grace. Every year, Grace and John would take the boys on a family holiday, creating many great memories.
Grace spent many summers camping in the Grand Forks area with Linda, Ashley and Meghan. She loved the girls camping trips, and especially loved to “shop till she dropped” at the stores in Grand Forks.
Grace was happiest when browsing through dollar stores, doing word search and jigsaw puzzles, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, going for drives to Winnipeg Beach and Selkirk, and most of all loved being in the presence of her family.
She loved visiting with, hearing updates about, and seeing new pictures of all her great-grandchildren. Grace’s face would light up at the sight of her family and she would greet them with the biggest smile.
Grace loved dogs and it was evident that dogs loved her as well. In a room full of people, they would always find Grandma to cuddle up on, and knew she’d have a treat (or two) waiting for them in her purse.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Mihalchuk for years of care, home care staff that were like family to Grace, and the N3East staff at Concordia Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace’s memory can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.
A celebration of Grace’s life will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street.
We love you and will miss you. Until we meet again.
.
It is with great sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of Grace on October 22, 2023, at the age of 96.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son Chuck; daughter-in-law Linda; grandchildren, Brian, Bret, Ashley (BJ), Meghan (Shannon) and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Maykenzie, Keanna, Gracelyn, Isla, Scarlett, Hudson and Harrison; brother Robert Watkins, and many other dear relatives and friends.
Grace was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John Sr., son John Jr., parents Robert and Miriam, and brother Charles.
Grace was born on May 8, 1927, in Brooklands, Manitoba to Robert and Miriam Watkins, and was the youngest of three children.
In her younger years, Grace enjoyed speed skating, spending time at the roller rink, playing bingo with her mom at East End Community Centre, bowling with the Sons of Scotland, and spending time at Grand Beach.
Grace graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and later went on to work at Eaton's department store. She found her true calling as matriarch of the family, devoting her time to care for her children and grandchildren.
Grace had a special love for her soulmate John. The two were married in Winnipeg in 1951 and had two sons; John and Chuck. Grace was very proud of her boys and loved them dearly. The King house was often filled with neighbourhood kids and family visits, which brought much joy to Grace. Every year, Grace and John would take the boys on a family holiday, creating many great memories.
Grace spent many summers camping in the Grand Forks area with Linda, Ashley and Meghan. She loved the girls camping trips, and especially loved to “shop till she dropped” at the stores in Grand Forks.
Grace was happiest when browsing through dollar stores, doing word search and jigsaw puzzles, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, going for drives to Winnipeg Beach and Selkirk, and most of all loved being in the presence of her family.
She loved visiting with, hearing updates about, and seeing new pictures of all her great-grandchildren. Grace’s face would light up at the sight of her family and she would greet them with the biggest smile.
Grace loved dogs and it was evident that dogs loved her as well. In a room full of people, they would always find Grandma to cuddle up on, and knew she’d have a treat (or two) waiting for them in her purse.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Mihalchuk for years of care, home care staff that were like family to Grace, and the N3East staff at Concordia Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace’s memory can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.
A celebration of Grace’s life will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street.
We love you and will miss you. Until we meet again.
.