MARY WATKINS (PROKASKI)

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MARY WATKINS (nee PROKASKI) Super Granny October 17, 1920 - November 17, 2009 She heard Him call She took His hand Peacefully after a lengthy struggle, mom (aka Super Granny) left this world to be with dad, and her best friend Helen. Born in Brandon, MB she moved to Winnipeg to work when she was a young woman. Here she met and married her soulmate Ralph Watkins who we lost tragically in the blizzard of 1966. In her younger years mom enjoyed playing baseball with the C.U.A.C. ladies league. She bowled and curled, was even a member of the Eight Ender Club, and her butter tarts were second to none. Family, blueberries, perogies, baking, fishing, sports and community service brought her the greatest joy. Gradually her ability to enjoy each of these faded except her love and adoration for her family. Each of us had our own very special relationship with her and she leaves us so many memories to cherish. Mom believed life was for living in the spirit of caring for others and in that spirit she and dad were instrumental in establishing the Archwood Community Club in St. Boniface. They spent hours there in the canteen and on the ice coaching and a few years ago she established an endowment fund in support of the club. Mom is also still remembered by patrons of The Heather Curling Club where she worked for many years after dad's passing. She is survived by her children, Leslie Ferniuk (Garry) and Ralph Watkins; grandchildren Lisa Flannagan (Ken), Leney Richardson (Jim), Paul Ferniuk, Kelly Watkins (Donna) and Kerry Watkins (Raelynne). She was also blessed to see seven great-grandchildren enter this world: Matt, Melissa, Grady, Ethan, Madelyn, Colton and Tyler. The family would like to thank Dr. P. G. Mehta for his years of care and Shirley Machtaler whose caring and friendship allowed her to maintain her independence into her 88th year. Thanks also to the staff at Charleswood Care Centre for all of their compassion and dedication, especially Jazz, Kim, John and Lori who were her (and our) pillars of strength and comfort during her final months. To My Family I go from you gently for it is my time To take the next step In this journey of mine Don't grieve for me long I've not left you alone For I will be with you In the love that we've known That love is forever, And some day when it's time You'll join me again On this journey of mine. - Anonymous Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler at Henderson Hwy. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Ralph and Mary Watkins Archwood Youth Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation are gratefully accepted to carry on a legacy of giving and sharing in both mom and dad's name.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2009