Maria Watts

Predeceased by her mother, Marie Schattinger, Maria leaves behind her father John Schattinger, her daughter Julie (Warren) of Victoria, her son Steven (Leiman) of New York City, her grandchildren Madison, Carter and Ava, along with a plethora of friends- who were like family to her.

Born in Austria in 1948, Maria immigrated to Canada at the age of 6 and settled in Regina where she spent her formative years. As a young woman she moved to Saskatoon in the 70’s, where she raised her two children. In 1996, she moved to Victoria, where she worked for many years at the Hudson Bay Company. Some of her best memories were traveling with family to foreign lands.

A loving mother, doting grandparent, and an amazing friend, Maria was a nurturing soul with a vivacious personality. She was a great cook who hosted wonderful parties where everyone would leave at evenings’ end, filled with joy. Maria spent a huge portion of her life caring for beloved family members and animals. Her home often felt “like a zoo”, and she loved it. No matter who you were, Maria had a special gift of making everyone she engaged with feel cared for, special, and loved.

Maria took solace knowing in being reunited with her many four-legged friends at the “Rainbow Bridge”, where together they would cross into the Heaven above, undoubtedly dancing merrily to ABBA along the way.

We love and miss you terribly Mom, Nana, Maria. Remember, we only cry hard as we love you deeply.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA Victoria or Broadmead Care Society in Maria’s name.