Audrey Yvonne (Vonnie) Watson passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 24, 2021 in High River at the age of 92.
Vonnie is survived, and will be sadly missed, by her daughter Ellen Fraser of Aldersyde, son Ivan (Nancy) Watson of St. Albert, grandchildren: Kendra (David) Hillebrand of Elk Point, Shalon Watson (Alex) of St. Albert and Stephen Watson of Calgary, great grandchildren, Merrick Hillebrand and Ava Hillebrand, sister-in-law Doreen Jensen of Ottawa and many cherished nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Dan, son-in-law Dave Fraser, brothers Clifford and Bill and sisters Betty, Petrona and Marie.
Vonnie was born in High River on May 26, 1929 to Niels and Jennie (nee Hindmarsh) Jensen and grew up on the family farm near Brant. Later the family moved into the town of Brant where she went to school and liked all subjects. Her first job was working as a waitress in High River. She met Dan Watson at a local dance (she loved to dance) and on December 12, 1946 they were married in High River. They planned the wedding in December because they didn’t want Dan to get snowed in at the farm, as was usual at the time, and not see each other until Spring. They lived and worked at the Watson family farm north of Vulcan and had two children Ellen in 1953 and Ivan in 1954. In 1960 Vonnie moved to Lethbridge along with the children and her mother for 6 months so that she could complete a hairdressing course. The family then bought a house in Vulcan that Dan partially renovated into “Von’s Beauty Shop” that Vonnie operated for over 35 years.
Vonnie and Dan always enjoyed their trips to Las Vegas and Reno as well as their many travelling adventures with family and friends from their first trip to Banff in 1947 to their last trip to golf at Wendover in 2001.
Vonnie loved reading, especially romance novels that were passed around in bags between family and friends. She played many hours of card games with her grand-children and nieces. Vonnie enjoyed activities such as curling, golfing and swimming as well as playing the piano and listening to music especially the piano. For several years Vonnie dealt blackjack with Dan in Calgary and Lethbridge. After Dan passed away in 2008, she moved to a duplex by the golf course in Vulcan. She told us many, many times how much she loved that house. During those years she enjoyed going to the Seniors Center with her friends and playing cards with crib being her favorite. She liked to eat out and was very fond of lobster.
Vonnie was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother, grandmother and aunt. She loved her children, grand-children, great-grandchildren and family very much and was always so excited when they visited, called or Face-timed. Vonnie was a very special, generous and thoughtful person and she will be forever missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The War Amps. Due to Covid concerns there will be no formal service or reception
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Ph: 403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca
Will always miss you Audrey! Much love to you and your family.
My Condolences to your family, I used to do Vonnie’s nails for years in Vulcan. She will be missed.
So very sorry to hear of Vonnie’s passing. She was such a lovely lady with a beautiful smile! It has been a hardship the past few years for her to give up cards with friends -she will be missed by many. Our condolences to all the family.
Vonnie was a very dear friend. Thanks Ellen for the card
So very sorry to hear of Vonnie’s passing.
She was always easy to visit with. I recall eating lunch with her often along with Brenda Langridge.
She had a long & interesting life & delighted in her relatives.
My condolences to all.