Nora May Watson

WATSON, Nora May 97 years of love, smiles, resilience and determination came to an end for Nora May Watson (nee Scanlon, Foster), who passed away peacefully on Feb. 1st, 2019. Nora was born May 12, 1921 in Saskatoon, the youngest of 6 daughters of Rosa and Sydney Foster. Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by husbands Gerald Scanlon (Hfx.) and William Watson (Calif.), son Richard Scanlon, granddaughter Michelle Scanlon, step-daughter Jeanne Bruna, sisters Phyllis, Lillian, Marion, Ella and Vera and their husbands. Nora is survived by her daughter Dawn Marie Purcell and son Edward (Ted) Scanlon (Calif.), step-daughter Toni Murphy (Calif.) and daughter-in-law Cathy Scanlon (Hfx.). She was a beloved “Nana” to 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews across Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Nora had been employed in the film library at CBC from 1954 to 1965. After Jerry’s death in 1959, Nora made the brave move to California in 1965 along with her son, Ted. She eventually married Bill Watson and, following Bill’s death, she returned to Halifax in 1989 where she enjoyed her retirement years and watching her extended family grow. Special thanks to the staff on Mount Lane at Parkstone Enhanced Care and all those who visited and supported Nora over the past 5 ½ years, and to her granddaughter Denise who went over and above caring for her beloved Nana. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Cruickshank’s Funeral Home. There will be a Liturgy of the Word funeral service to celebrate Nora’s life at 10:30 am on Wednesday, Feb. 6th, at Saint Benedict Church (45 Radcliff Dr.) presided by Deacon Robert Doyle. Reception to follow in the parish auditorium. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Saint Benedict Conference, Mass cards, or a charity of your choice.