Eva WATKINS

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WATKINS: It is with great sadness the family of Eva Mae Watkins (nee Teed) announces the passing of our dear “Gam” on March 4, 2011 at the Minnedosa Hospital with her family by her side at the age of seventy-one. Eva (now affectionately called “Gam”) was born February 20, 1940, at Lower Onslow, Nova Scotia. She was a graduate of Central Colchester High School in 1958 and Nova Scotia Normal College in 1959. Eva spent the next several years teaching in Nova Scotia and Ontario. Eva was united in marriage to Gerald of Summerford, Newfoundland at Lower Onslow United Church, Nova Scotia on July 27, 1963. After living in Ontario for a number of years, they moved to The Pas, Manitoba in 1973. When Gerald retired in 1995 and Deborah’s children were older they decided to move to Newdale, Manitoba in 2002 to be closer to their younger grandchildren in Newdale and Brandon. Eva leaves behind her husband, Gerald and three daughters: Deborah Calvert (Ricky) in The Pas, Manitoba, granddaughter Kaila (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and grandson Andrew (Pincourt, Quebec), Cindy Dalke (Shannon), granddaughter Melanie and grandson Tyler in Newdale, Manitoba and Joanne Watkins (Mike Brown) and grandsons Keegan and Steven in Brandon, Manitoba. Eva also leaves behind a stepson, Danny Keats (Joy) in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, granddaughter Kristie Hurley (Cory), great granddaughters Danielle and Lauren in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and grandson Kenneth Keats (Nadine) and great grandson Lucas in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Mourning Eva’s passing are sisters Barbara Clarke, Truro, Nova Scotia, Jennie Marshall, Edmonton, Alberta and brother Douglas (Marie) Teed, Peterborough, Ontario and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Eva was predeceased by her parents, Lucy and Willard Teed and brother-in-law, Darrell Clarke. To say that Eva (Gam) had health concerns would be an understatement. Gam developed rheumatoid arthritis in her mid forties that forced her to stop playing baseball which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her arthritis was quite severe and prevented her from doing many of the things she loved – her music being one of the things she missed the most. Gam loved her music and played the harmonica, juice harp and her steel guitar when she was able to. But although she couldn’t play anything herself anymore you would frequently walk in to find her listening to her many types of music. She would spend hours in her “studio” making tapes for her and Pa to listen to. A treasured memory for Gam and her girls was when they all went on a “girls night out” to the Johnny Reid concert together in October. Gam had a love of knowledge as well and would spend hours working on things for her children, grandchildren and their friends. Gam’s used her teaching background to the fullest by tutoring many children throughout the years. Gam’s children, grandchildren and many others benefited from her patience and her love for teaching. Gam’s greatest love was her husband of forty-seven years, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family which she treasured. She would have gone through anything to be blessed with more time to share with them. Everyone who knew Gam recognized her amazing will to live. Even when confronted with cancer for the third time and was asked about chemotherapy her answer was…”Yes, when can I start?” Gam’s first challenge with cancer was in 1997 and since that time our family has “cherished” each and every time that we could be together as a family! Eva (Gam) was a loving and caring person and would do anything for anyone! She and her smile will be dearly missed by many. The family sends a very special thanks to all the Home Care Staff for their care and support shown to Gam and the family over the years. We also send special thanks to all the staff at the Minnedosa Hospital for their care and compassion. We would like to express our gratitude to the Minnedosa Funeral Service for helping us through this difficult time. A funeral service was held on March 9th, 2011 at the Newdale United Church with Tim Crouch officiating. God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be. He put his arms around you and whispered “Come to Me”. So when we saw you sleeping, so peacefully, free from pain, we could not wish you back to suffer that again. So keep your arms around her Lord. And give her special care. Make up for all she suffered and all that seemed unfair.If friends so wish, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, The Arthritis Society or the Newdale United Church. Minnedosa Funeral Service in care of arrangements. (204) 867-3868.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 12, 2011