Claudia Ann Watkins

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Claudia Ann Watkins, 77, of Halifax, at the Halifax QEII Hospital on Wednesday March 16th, 2022. Claudia was born in Swansea, Wales. Daughter of the late Hadley and Gwladys (Winch) Watkins. Beloved sister of Kenneth (Cheryl) Watkins of Wales. Aunt to nieces Rachael and Sarah. She was predeceased by her husband Syd Powell in 2011. Claudia grew up in a talented family, her father being a good pianist and mother an excellent artist. She was always encouraged, and at the age of 8 started taking piano lessons. As she matured, despite her ambition to become a doctor excelling in her studies of physics, biology and chemistry, her hobby and passion was playing the piano. At 15, having played Mozart’s piano concerto in D minor with the Swansea Youth Orchestra, she realized music was in her future. At 17, she was accepted into the Royal College of Music in London, an honour realized by only 100 students per year from all over the world. Claudia, after moving from Wales in 1969, settled in Windsor, Nova Scotia for two years to accept music teaching positions at Windsor Memorial and Kings Edgehill. She was the organist at the Windsor United Church. In 1972 she moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and taught music at Birchwood Junior High where she finished out her teaching career after 31 years. She enjoyed her time living in Charlottetown, keeping busy with weekly summer concerts, school musicals, choirs and preparations for the seasons of the Church. Eight years before retiring, she was asked to set up and run a new library built at Birchwood. This was a very happy time for her. Claudia had the travel bug. Before and after her retirement, she travelled extensively to as many as 80 European destinations. She always had a wonderful story to share regarding her experiences from her travels around the world to places like Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Norway and a highlight trip to visit the Holy Land. In 2004, Claudia moved to Halifax, NS where she established many friendships. She joined the Church Parish Council, The Red Hat Society, and thoroughly enjoyed her many hours playing cards with the Bridge Club. On behalf of those fortunate enough to have spent time with Claudia, let me share their unanimous voices praising the abundantly giving, overwhelmingly caring; and the adventuristic heart that resided in Claudia’s tiny frame. She was always willing and ready to help anyone in need. Claudia’s last four years of adventuring were less about travel and more about her adopted family, where she enjoyed spending her time with her partner Paul Fraser, his family, his extended family and his many close friends, who all loved and cherished her. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her brother Ken, sister-in-law Cheryl and all her family and friends in Swansea, Wales. No visitation by request. A celebration of life/memorial service will be held April 7th, 2022 at 2:00pm at J.A. Snows Funeral Home, Lacewood Dr. Halifax, followed by a reception. A private internment at Sunrise Cemetery, Prospect Road will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. As per the NS Health Authority, mask wearing will be encouraged.