Enid Elaine Watts

Peacefully, Elaine Watts passed away at her Brightwater home in Winnipeg on November 19, 2024 following a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her three daughters: Nancy (Dennis) Smith, Sandra Sydor, Allison (Mike) Fischer and her grandchildren: Julian (Monica) Burgess, Ethan Burgess, Hailey (Kye) and great-grandson Barrett Abraham; Dustin Sydor (Amber Watkins) and Brennan Sydor (Jenn Carriere); Braden, Carson and Anderson Fischer; and her brother Henry Shewfelt (Raine Greenwood). She was predeceased by her loving husband, Donald Watts, brother Spence McIntosh, and her parents Janet and Ralph Shewfelt.

Elaine was born on February 7, 1943 to Janet and Ralph Shewfelt in Treherne, Manitoba. Her father was a banker and so the family often relocated. In 1944, Elaine and her family moved to Redvers, Saskatchewan and then to Neepawa, Manitoba where she had many fond childhood memories. In 1955 she moved to Red Rock, Ontario and then on to Rainy River, Ontario in 1960. Elaine attended United College in Winnipeg for Grades 11 and 12 where she met her lifelong friend, Glenna Erickson. They both entered Nursing School at the Winnipeg General Hospital and graduated as Registered Nurses in 1963. Elaine worked at Deer Lodge Center for a short time until she married the love of her life, Donald Watts, and began a family. Elaine remained close with her nursing alumni by being involved with the reunion committee and attending every nursing reunion until her 60 anniversary.

Elaine and Don married in 1965 and built a home in St. Norbert where they lived for most of their 45 years together. Elaine treasured her role as a wife and mother of three daughters. She was actively involved in their many activities and enjoyed being a homemaker. She had an eye for decorating and a flair for fashion. Elaine had a way of making home feel so special and a place where one would always feel accepted and loved unconditionally. Elaine also provided care to her mother and brought her home to live with her family. They had a special bond and reciprocal love that brought joy to both of their hearts.

Elaine also gave back to the community where she served on many boards in the churches she attended. She spent many years actively involved in the Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Eastgate Pentecostal Fellowship and Springs Church where she attended Bible School. Elaine also participated in Women’s Aglow Fellowship International where she served in various leadership roles during her 40 years of membership. She led bible studies in her home, served as president of the South Chapter and in leadership on the Area Board. This was a very important ministry to Elaine as she supported many Christian women in their faith journey and led many newcomers to Christ. Elaine’s commitment to her faith was of paramount importance and she lived out her faith in everything she did. She was an inspiration to all.

Elaine loved to spend her summers with her family at Rock Lake, Manitoba where she attended the Christian Enrichment Family Camp and served in the music ministry. She also enjoyed swimming, reading, campfires, puzzles and spending time relaxing with family and playing many board games with her grandchildren.

In later years, Elaine was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Despite the challenges it brought, Elaine kept a positive attitude and refused to let it get in the way of what she wanted to do. She volunteered as a Parkinson’s exercise instructor where she made many good friends and was a great encourager to keep moving and believe for the best. Even in the advanced stages of the disease, Elaine’s spirit remained strong. She was an inspiration to all – family, friends and caregivers alike.

The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Brightwater Senior Living for their excellent care and kindness in addition to the WRHA Palliative Care team.

A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held on Sunday, November 24 at 2pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg, MB. A private family interment at Stonewall, Manitoba will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to Parkinson’s Canada at donate.parkinson.ca