Joan Watt

WATT, Joan Margaret…

It is with great sorrow that we announce the loss of Joan Margaret Watt in her 93^rd year. She passed away peacefully at Arbor Trace Memory Centre, London, on Monday, March 15, 2021.

Cherished aunt of Barbara McLatchie (nee Fetchison) and her husband Kenneth, and the late Robert Fetchison and his wife Chantale. Loving great-aunt of Andre (Cindy Johnston), Nick (Mariah Luchsinger) and Camille Fetchison, and Christopher and Matthew McLatchie. Dear great-great-aunt to Mason Johnstone and Liam Fetchison. Also missed by many relatives and friends.

Predeceased by her sister Constance Fetchison (2020) and her nephew Robert Fetchison (2021).

With her patient, caring and generous nature, it was not surprising that Joan chose a career in education. She took her training as a teacher at the London Normal School, which was the teacher’s college of the time. Following graduation in 1950, Joan began a rewarding and successful career by teaching in the elementary grades in a number of smaller Ontario towns (Eganville, Crowland, Oshawa and St. Thomas). She returned to her hometown in 1967 to continue teaching in various London elementary schools. After taking additional courses, Joan earned her Specialist Certificate in Special Education in 1970 which allowed her to embark on a new direction in her teaching career in a position which is now known as a resource support teacher. She continued in this challenging and fulfilling role at various London schools until her retirement in 1984.

Joan’s retirement was a busy and happy one, and she filled it with her favourite interests and pastimes. Her love of history and the past was reflected in her involvement over many years with Museum London, the London branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO), and the Elgin County Museum in St. Thomas. Joan was a keen gardener and volunteered for many years with the annual Geranium Walks (later known as Geranium Heritage House tours) presented each June by the ACO. Joan enjoyed painting, usually in watercolours, and took classes to perfect her skills. As a volunteer for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Joan took great pride in creating tactile books for visually impaired children. She continued her interest in reading and literature as a member of a book club, whose members met regularly to discuss the books they had read. Retirement also allowed Joan to spend more time travelling, and she enjoyed many exciting and memorable trips to destinations such as Russia, Britain, the United States, Spain, Portugal and South Africa. Often, she was accompanied by her sister Connie and teaching friends she had met during her long career.

Throughout her life, family and friendship were always of great importance to Joan. She cared for her aging parents at home with love and devotion until their passing. She always took an interest in the lives of those dear to her, helping them in whatever way she could. She was a sweet, loving and gentle person who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Arbor Trace Memory Care Centre for the warm and compassionate care given to Joan in her final years. Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will take place at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London, 184 Horton Street East, London ON N6B 1K8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs can be shared at www.amgfh.com