GLADYS MABEL WATKINSON (NELSON)

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GLADYS MABEL WATKINSON (nee NELSON) Peacefully on December 20, 2015, at the Betel Home in Selkirk, Manitoba, Gladys Watkinson (Nelson), aged 103 years, of Stonewall, Manitoba. Gladys was predeceased by her husband George Watkinson; parents, George and Edith Nelson (Preston); brothers and sisters, Annie, Dave, Maude, Margaret, Grace, Ben, Charlie, and Edith; and "adopted" grandchildren Robbie and Kristin Schaldemose. Born July 29, 1912 in Lily Bay, Manitoba, Gladys grew up in Lily Bay and then Curtis District near Portage La Prairie. Gladys had a reputation as somewhat of a prankster and had several good stories to tell of times at Curtis School. She moved back to the Interlake for a time where she was employed with the Watson family (her aunt and uncle) in the Scotch Bay District. In 1941 Gladys married her husband George and they farmed in the Fortier District for a couple of years before moving to West Hawk Lake in 1943. At West Hawk Lake they lived and worked at the Whiteshell Trout Hatchery along with Charlie Watson, Gladys' cousin. Gladys played an essential role as the cook at the Hatchery and her skills were well known throughout the area. She was touted by some in surrounding towns to be the "best pie maker in Manitoba". Gladys, George, and Charlie moved to Stonewall upon their retirement in 1967, where Gladys resided until moving to the Betel Home in Selkirk in 2011. Gladys was a truly unique individual who, while having no children of her own, was able to embrace those around her and created her own "adopted" family that were absolutely as close as any family could be. At West Hawk Lake, this was the Schaldemose family who also lived at the Whiteshell Hatchery. The Schaldemose children could not imagine a world without Gladys, and are still having trouble with that concept now. Upon moving to Stonewall in 1967, Gladys again created new family with Audrey and Ken Klimpke and their children. These relationships were enduring, and both families were present with Gladys to her last moments. Gladys is survived by her sister Iris (Bud) Clarke; numerous nieces and nephews; her "adopted" family, Blanche Schaldemose, Alan (Leanne) Schaldemose, Susan (Larry) Morran, Sandra (Tony) Duma, Dana (Dave) Schaldemose, and Audrey (Ken) Klimpke. At Gladys' request a private family graveside farewell is being held. Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Portage La Prairie. Active Pallbearers will be Alan Schaldemose, Ken Klimpke, Wayne Campbell, Bob McCallister, Corwin Nelson, and Kent Klimpke. An open memorial reception and celebration of life will be held for Gladys at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the MacKenzie Funeral Home Chapel in Stonewall, Manitoba. A special thank you goes out to Lynn Williams, a good friend and faithful visitor to Gladys, and to the dedicated staff at Betel Home in Selkirk who took such good care of Gladys. In lieu of flowers, for any who choose to do so, a donation can be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada in memory of Gladys. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2015