Mrs Kathleen "Marie" Newman Watkins

Passed away peacefully in the loving arms and hearts of her family at home.

Absolute best friend and soul mate of her husband David for 65 wonderful years. Mother of Brian (Laurie), Susan St. Jules (Jim), and Kevin (Belinda). Granny to Scott (Krystyna), Amy (Bob), late Lindsay, Katie (Erik), & Nicole. Great grandmother of Daniel, Jacob, Maggie, Matthew, Joey and Max.

Born to Gwendoline and “Bill” Newman in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She is survived by her loving sister Roberta "Bobbie" Simon (late Frank).

She will be missed dearly by Bud and Hazel Yakich, our special Connolly Family, her cousin Gwen Dinsdale and her best friends Phyllis and Ida. Daughter-in-law of late Ernie and late Kate Watkins, and predeceased by her sister-in-laws and brother-in-law and families.

Mum began working in 1955 at Algoma Steel and finishing with many years of service with The Ministry of Community and Social Services up until her retirement in 1992. Through this time she balanced her career with making her children her #1 priority.

Mum and dad were the true example of working to live. With the family they travelled to many places when the kids were young. They owned our family cottage on St. Joe’s Island and enjoyed many years up to and during their retirement in Florida. Cruise ships and Las Vegas were among their favourite get aways.

Our mum was warm, caring and adored by anyone that knew her. She was determined, brave, strong and tenacious. She battled through her serious health issue for over 40 years. We cannot believe how she did that. She was tough as nails.

Our family would like to thank and acknowledge the staff and in particular our nurse Chris Elliott at Collegiate Heights. You made your home our home. The compassion you showed to Marie and Dave will always be remembered. To our personal nurses Sue D., Marcy, Amy, along with our PSWs that provided homecare, thank you. Also, a special thank you to Dr. David Fera, Kelly Rutland and staff. The family would like to express their appreciation for the staff at Armstrong Hearing for their guidance and support.

As per mum’s wishes a private family service will take place (masks and physical distancing are mandatory) the Very Reverend James McShane officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online starting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 11 am, and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days following the service. Interment at St. Luke's Columbarium to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Pauline's Place in memory of Marie's granddaughter the late Lindsay Watkins. Please visit the Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries for links to view the service online as well as to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.

If Mum could tell us a few more things she would say,

“Dave I loved you best, because you were my first love.” “We had so many great adventures and made wonderful memories.”

“Brian I loved you best, because you were my first born and I knew you had the world by the tail and you would do great things.”

“Suzie I loved you best, even though you cried for the first year of your life.” “You are a strong person and determined to make everything right.”

“Kevin I loved you best, because you came along at a time in our lives when we knew we had to slow down and enjoy life.” “You are a loving and gentle person.”

“Jim, Laurie and Belinda I loved you best, because you make my children so happy and have created such beautiful families together.”

“My grandchildren and great grandchildren I loved you best, because you have brought me such joy and gave me such beautiful memories.”

To everyone here Mum loved you best, in a very special way. Most of you helped her in some way in her journey on earth. For that, our family will be forever grateful.

As you know, she always had a problem with her lungs and there were many trips to the doctor and of course her surgery at 39 years old. Little did we think that we would have her for 47 more years! She was tiny, but mighty and always sprung back to good health. However, this past month we saw that Mum needed a rest and that she was becoming frail. Because we loved her best, I think all of us hoped to keep her a little longer. We were blessed to abide by her wishes and with great assistance, we were able to keep her in her home at Collegiate Heights.

Our hearts are broken and we will forever have a very big piece of our family missing. Mum and Dad were married for the past 65 years and their love was something very special. They shared the good times, the struggles, the laughter, the tears, they created a beautiful family, travelled on many vacations, and made a lifetime of memories.

Our summers on St. Joe’s Island were the best! Mum and Dad made sure there was enough room for all of us and we spent many evenings around a roaring fire. We were also lucky to have surprise birthday parties and anniversary parties over the years. When we thought for sure that we had surprised them, there was always a twinkle in Mum’s eye that told you she knew something was up!

They didn’t move often and each house they owned they made into a loving and inviting home. Their final move was to Collegiate Heights and although it was a difficult decision, it was the best choice, as Mum’s health was failing and she needed more care. We always teased Mum that she had too many chairs, you can ask Brian, Kevin, Jim and Scott how many times they had to move them, but she always managed to fill those chairs with the many people that came to visit her.

Mum was a wonderful cook and baker and we all enjoyed her special meals. Whether it was a Sunday dinner, Christmas or Easter, she always ensured to have all the fixings and many delicious treats. She shared many of her special recipes with Sue, Amy and Laurie and some of her legacy dishes will live on, especially her potato casserole and apple pie.

Mum was a proud Newman and for years supported the Newman Navy League and Royal Sovereign Sea Cadet corps. She attended many annual inspections and other cadet activities, and you could always find her and Bobbie laying the family wreath on Remembrance Day. Bobbie is her only sister and they relied on each other over the years. They shared many cups of tea and reminisced about their memories of childhood and shared their joys of raising their families. They had a special bond and I know that Bobbie will miss her sister very much.

Hazel was like a sister to Mum and she valued their relationship and loved her very much.

Mum, Ida and Phyllis enjoyed many lunches and laughter together over the years. They were co-workers, but more than that, they were best friends. They spent birthdays together, even their husbands joined in the fun. Years of their friendship meant the world to Mum.

Mum was very talented. From a young age she danced and played the piano and over the years she excelled at clogging, tole painting, knitting and sewing. She even spent one whole year knitting matching sweaters for the entire family! She was a Beaverette, a member of the Red Hat Society, and the best dressed lady at the Royal Wedding all night party!

I could stand here and talk about our Mum all day because she was an amazing person with a heart of gold. No matter who you were to Mum, she had a special way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. She always appreciated the love and companionship of her friends and family.

If you look around this room, you will still see Mum here in each one of us by the way she touched our lives and left a piece of her with us. Our lives will never be the same, now that a piece of our hearts has gone to Heaven.

We love you Mum.

* * * * * * * * * *

WATKINS, Kathleen "Marie" - July 30, 1934 – February 18, 2021

Passed away peacefully in the loving arms and hearts of her family at home.

Absolute best friend and soul mate of her husband David for 65 wonderful years. Mother of Brian (Laurie), Susan St. Jules (Jim), and Kevin (Belinda). Granny to Scott (Krystyna), Amy (Bob), late Lindsay, Katie (Erik), & Nicole. Great grandmother of Daniel, Jacob, Maggie, Matthew, Joey and Max.

Born to Gwendoline and “Bill” Newman in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She is survived by her loving sister Roberta "Bobbie" Simon (late Frank).

She will be missed dearly by Bud and Hazel Yakich, our special Connolly Family, her cousin Gwen Dinsdale and her best friends Phyllis and Ida. Daughter-in-law of late Ernie and late Kate Watkins, and predeceased by her sister-in-laws and brother-in-law and families.

Mum began working in 1955 at Algoma Steel and finishing with many years of service with The Ministry of Community and Social Services up until her retirement in 1992. Through this time she balanced her career with making her children her #1 priority.

Mum and dad were the true example of working to live. With the family they travelled to many places when the kids were young. They owned our family cottage on St. Joe’s Island and enjoyed many years up to and during their retirement in Florida. Cruise ships and Las Vegas were among their favourite get aways.

Our mum was warm, caring and adored by anyone that knew her. She was determined, brave, strong and tenacious. She battled through her serious health issue for over 40 years. We cannot believe how she did that. She was tough as nails.

Our family would like to thank and acknowledge the staff and in particular our nurse Chris Elliott at Collegiate Heights. You made your home our home. The compassion you showed to Marie and Dave will always be remembered. To our personal nurses Sue D., Marcy, Amy, along with our PSWs that provided homecare, thank you. Also, a special thank you to Dr. David Fera, Kelly Rutland and staff. The family would like to express their appreciation for the staff at Armstrong Hearing for their guidance and support.

As per mum’s wishes a private family service will take place (masks and physical distancing are mandatory) the Very Reverend James McShane officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online starting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 11 am, and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days following the service. Interment at St. Luke's Columbarium to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Pauline's Place in memory of Marie's granddaughter the late Lindsay Watkins. Please visit the Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries for links to view the service online as well as to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.