MARITA WATSON On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, Marita Watson died peacefully and on her own terms with a medically assisted death at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Family and friends were present to help her "shuffle off this mortal coil". Marita was born on April 28, 1939 and became the elder of two chosen daughters of Christian and Hughena (nee Beggs) Watson. She grew up on the family mink ranch and farm at the corner of Garven and Birds Hill Road, north of the village of Birds Hill. Her education began in local schools and she went on to studies at United College and the University of Manitoba. Marita obtained undergraduate degrees in Arts (English Major) and Education and graduate degrees in Education. She taught high school English at Miles Macdonell and River East Collegiate. She also did instructional and curriculum work at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba and the Curriculum Branch of the Manitoba Department of Education. Former students will have known her as Ms. Watson or Mrs. Grieve. Predeceased by her parents and several uncles and aunts, Marita is survived by her sister Carol Harris; niece Shawna and Carol's partner Wes Polisnook; several cousins and their families; along with her dear friend Geri (nee Niemczyk) Spencer - a friendship that has continued without interruption since they were in grade 1 together. Marita was a formidable bridge player (both contract and duplicate), an avid reader and an excellent cook and hostess. She loved to arrange gatherings involving food, wine, bridge and literary discussions. She amassed a huge circle of friends with whom she maintained contact even through these last few years of health problems and these last few months of struggles with type two diabetes and cancer. Marita determined that her body would be cremated and that there would be no formal funeral service. She hopes that friends will gather to reminisce and enjoy good conversation, food and drink. She has asked that her remains be scattered near a clump of birch trees. Thanks are extended to health care professionals in St. Boniface, Deer Lodge and Concordia Hospitals, to Doctors Jason Park and Randy Guzman, to the staff and residents at Manoir de Cathedrale where she enjoyed several months in a supported living environment, to the compassionate and caring support offered by the M.A.I.D. team and to the host of friends who have provided her with support and comfort. If friends so desire, please plant a birch tree in memory of Marita.

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2018