Darlene Jane Watson

On November 8, 2022, two days before her 83rd birthday, Heaven stole our angel, Darlene Jane Watson.  She passed away peacefully at her residence in Minnedosa Personal Care home, with her beloved family by her side.

Darlene was born November 10, 1939, to Leona and Ray (Bud) Brown.  She was raised and schooled along with her four siblings, in the Crawford Park area of Manitoba.  This is where Darlene resided until meeting the navy man of her dreams, Edwin (Toad) Watson, while working in a café in Strathclair.  Time was not wasted in knowing that they were meant to be together for the rest of their days.

Together, Darlene and Toad and their four children farmed the Blackburn Farm until relocating to the community of Strathclair in 1971.  Darlene filled her days tending to her children and their activities, working for Canada Post in the Strathclair depot and finally, concluded her working career retiring from Shoal Lake/Strathclair Health Centre.  Toad and Darlene loved to camp, golf and fish and spent years doing just that between Rossman Lake and Sandy Lake campgrounds.  Priceless memories were made around the campfire with friends who became family and family who were welcomed with open arms every chance they got to visit. 

In 2004 Toad and Darlene moved from Strathclair to Minnedosa, MB.  They embraced their time in the beautiful valley together until Toad’s passing in 2009, at which time Darlene learned to make a life on her own and continued to cherish her days surrounded by family and friends.  In 2013, Darlene chose to switch things up, packed her belongings and made the move to Hamiota, MB.  She quickly settled into a very active lifestyle which included swimming daily and putting in at least one and quite often two daily rounds of golf.  She acquired new friends and connected with past acquaintances.  She could often be found hopping in her car and travelling to wherever a grandchild was participating in an event.  She would pack her bag and report that she was heading to a friend or family’s house for a sleepover, and she would be home in a few days.  The joy she felt from being around those she treasured was evident. Unfortunately, with a decline in Darlene’s health came the need for more life assistance, and she spent the remainder of her days tucked into her suite in the Minnedosa Personal Care Home.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Leona Pohl and Ray (Bud) Brown and brothers Morris and Harvey Brown.

Surviving Darlene are her daughters Jackie (Perry) Moffatt, Cheryl (Carson) Glenn, Dianne (Wes) Usick and her only son, Tom (Crystal) Watson.  Beloved grandchildren left behind include Tara (Gary) Kelly, Dwayne (Erin) Moffatt, Kimberlee (Parry) Moffatt, Mark and Kurt Glenn, Lauren (Eddie) Usick, Megan (Mitch) Usick, Grant (Sydney) Usick, Shelby, Brooks and Drew Watson.  Cherished great grandchildren are Brenden Kelly, McKenna Laberge, Anna, June and Jolene Moffatt, Robyn and Kaitlyn Burgess, Sophie and Owen Waddell, Mazey and Liza Burgess and Mila Usick.  Regan Kelly completed Darlene’s immediate family and proudly became the beginning of five generations of the Watson clan.

Darlene’s sisters Evelyn Moffat and Florence Boyko, sister-in-laws Verna Brown and Helen Watson, and aunt Marjorie Johnson will also join in lovingly remembering her for who she was and what she offered to all whom crossed her path.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022, to honor Darlene’s memory.  The family would like to thank White’s Funeral Service for the care of the arrangements.