Nancy Caroline Watkins

Peacefully at her home with loving family around her.

Nancy lived life to the fullest measure with positivity, perseverance, kindness, a deep love for friends, family and community. She had many passions with teaching at the top of the list. Nancy enjoyed volunteering, baking and cooking, knitting, her faith and her church. She was equally skilled at baking hundreds of tarts for church fundraisers as she was helping her husband James clear brush or clean the transport trucks at our beloved Pancake Bay on Lake Superior.

Nancy is survived by her son James Watkins and his wife Sue Anne (nee Hue), and son Phil Watkins and partner Tracy O’Connor. She is also survived by her grandchildren Morgan Watkins and partner Dylan Moore, Garrett Watkins and partner Ivanna Brayon, Julia Watkins and partner Chad Ogryzlo, Colin Watkins, and Ross Watkins (deceased). Sister of the late Jamie Huntley, Mary Huntley and Dr. Jean Toews (nee Huntley). Also survived by multiple nieces and nephews. She will be missed by Cathy Watkins and the Ross family, Joan Gemmill and family, and her friends in the Sault and Peterborough communities.

Of primarily Irish descent from the Lakes of Killarney, her ancestors built the family farm near Sutton over 125 years ago. The Sweetnams first arrived in Canada near Vennachar prior to 1860 and commenced logging.

Nancy worked exceptionally hard on the farm and learned fast, graduating from high school early with honours at the age of 16. She was too young to attend teacher’s college in those days, and at her mother’s suggestion (also a teacher and gifted artist), continued in her footsteps and embarked on a career in teaching without a degree, that would span many decades. She later returned to university to complete a BA and teaching certificate in her late 40’s while raising kids and working full time.

She was a gifted and tireless teacher with an immense sense of caring and hope for her school kids. This was her most rewarding career in a long life. This special connection was reflected in the fact that many of her students and their parents would write her for years, long after their time in Nancy’s classrooms. Her heart and passion was expressed in many ways, but “food is love” was definitely part of her being at home or in the classroom - she baked a birthday cake for EVERY child she ever taught, and incorporated teaching moments at every opportunity.

In honour of Nancy’s life, all are welcome on April 5th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm to join family and friends over lunch and refreshments to tell stories and share memories.

Internment: Mom loved the outdoors and the spring, so during May when the sun is warm, birds are singing and flowers are blooming, she will be joining her siblings and family at Queensville Cemetery. As she requested, part of her ashes will join her late ex-husband James W. Watkins and grandson Ross on a hill overlooking Pancake Bay.

While Nancy loved her flowers and gardening, if you wish to make a donation, we suggest (in lieu of flowers) to support Peterborough Community Care or your favourite charity.

https://www.commcareptbo.org/

We would like to thank the excellent healthcare teams in Peterborough and beyond - across the community, PRHC hospital and MAID. Nancy was well looked after for 3 decades with great care by so many nurses, therapists and doctors including: Dr. J. Crane (FP), Dr. B. Macmillan, Gwen, Jane Mark, Dr. B. Hughes, Dr. J. Granton, Dr. M. de Perrot, Dr. Judith Buys, Dr. Y. Buys and Dr. K. McReelis and Cindy, plus Kristen and so many excellent HCPs at PRHC, especially B2 Rehab, VON and the wonderful pharmacy team including Emma at Superstore.