WATSON, Barbara Elaine (Rehder) - 1924-2018
Daughter of the late Charles Ernest Rehder and Ila Rehder (nee Gould) of Bowmanville.
Predeceased by her husband William Storey Watson of Brockville, brothers Edward (Ned) of Toronto, Thomas (and Kathleen) Rehder of Bowmanville, Lawrence (and Margaret) Rehder of Bowmanville.
Survived by Jocelyn Hopkins, her bridesmaid and sister-in-law, brother Robert (Bob) and Margaret Rehder of Lakefield, sister-in-law Mignon (Nonnie) Elkins Rehder of Toronto, her children William Rehder Watson and Marie Josée Fuchs-Watson of France, Ila Watson and Ben Leeuwestein of Sault Ste. Marie, grandchildren Alicia, Solène, Pierre and Guillaume Watson, all of France, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Barbara grew up in Bowmanville as the only girl in a large and active household centred around the Rehder family business, the Bowmanville Foundry Company, which survived the depression and continues to operate today.
Boating on the “Barbara R” initially on Lake Ontario and then the Kawartha Lakes, combined with chores, horse riding, pets, piano lessons and travelling to dances in the rumble seat made for an active early life.
As World War II opened more places for women, she attended the Ontario College of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1946.
She then moved to Brockville, which became her lifelong home.
After taking time out to raise her children, she resumed full time practise at the Brockville Psychiatric Hospital, until her retirement in 1989 as Chief Pharmacist.
Barbara married Bill in 1956. She was an unfailing supporter of his service activities until his death and thereafter, including the Brockville Rifles, St. John Ambulance and the Lions Club as well as his career at the Recorder and Times.
She found time to make many life-long friends and was active in her own organizations from her bridge club to the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire, the Canadian Federation of University Women, her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, and, despite never fully giving up her United Church up-bringing, Trinity Anglican Church, where the family regularly worshiped.
She enjoyed travelling to Ila and Ben’s home in Sault Ste. Marie, as well as Europe, and later spending time at Charleston Lake, where she could see her grandchildren discover the same pleasures of life on the water she had known.
She was very proud of her children, Bill and Ila, and fondly remembered the happy times the Watsons shared with family and friends, especially at Lily Bay.
Barbara’s recent years were enhanced by the continued visits of many of her life-long friends, the caring staff at the Wedgewood, and especially the devotion and friendship of Brenda Van Dusen to whom the family is eternally grateful.
Donations in Barbara’s memory to the St. John Ambulance Brigade Brockville, the Brockville Rifles Regimental Society, the Brockville Lions’ Music Festival or the charity of your choice will be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Irvine Funeral Home, Brockville on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 4-6 pm and on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 1-2 pm. A service in honour and celebration of Barbara's life will be held in the chapel on Saturday commencing at 2 pm followed by a reception.
{fastsocialshare}
