Noreen Ruth Watson

Noreen was kind, gracious and caring and is much loved and greatly missed by her children Monte (Bev), Leslie (Mark), and Geoff (Cindy); her grandchildren Cale, Lindsay (Rick), Robert (Alysha) and Heather (Christian); and her great-Grandchildren Charlie, Austin, Piper, Audrey, Maisie, and Ethan.

She is also survived by her sister Mavis in Australia, and niece Susan (Robert) in Switzerland and nephew Craig in Australia.

Noreen was born in Vancouver to parents Alex and Catherine (Kitty) Donaghy.

She attended Kitsilano High School and then worked at the Jericho School for the deaf.

Noreen and Graham were married at the Vancouver Rowing Club where Graham was captain of the rowing team.

Together, they built a house in 1958 in the new area of Capilano-Highlands in North Vancouver. Noreen created a warm and welcoming home with wonderful meals and never-ending tins full of fresh baking.

They raised their family here until they moved for new job opportunities to Toronto in 1973 and then to Portland in 1978.

While in Portland, Noreen and Graham developed new friendships and had a wonderful and caring network of neighbours. Their Portland home was a welcome gathering place for the whole family for many get-togethers and celebrating Christmas with enormous Christmas trees, and American Thanksgiving with feasting and tax-free shopping.

During this time, they also kept up their many friendships in Vancouver and treasured their summers with the Byres family at Ruby Lake.

Noreen was still driving between Portland and Vancouver well into her eighties as well as attending fitness classes, engaging with reading clubs, and belonging to the Broadmoor Women’s Club and P.E.O. Sisterhood.

She moved back to North Vancouver in 2019 to be with her family, as Alzheimer’s Disease made it difficult to be on her own. However, she never lost her spirit or sense of humour, and continued to enjoy a pint of beer up to her final days.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the caring staff at Cedar Springs and Creekstone Care Centre in North Vancouver.

A small family service will be held later in the summer. If desired, donations may be made in Noreen’s memory to a charity of your choice.