Mary Blair Watters

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ray Watters peacefully in her 87th year. Ray was predeceased by husband John, and brother and sister-in-law David & Frankie Brown. Mother of Anne (Neil Burgess); grandmother of Lindsey, Liam & Shannon Burgess. Sister-in-law of Eleanor Protz. Aunt to Blair (Mario Barricelli), and Tom (Lena) Brown and Marsha Protz, Great aunt to Colin and Gavin Barricelli and David and Kyla Brown. Ray received her teaching credentials in her native Scotland and, with her good friend Margaret, emigrated to Canada in 1955. After briefly teaching at River Drive Park and Sutton Public School, she accepted a position in Keswick Public where she remained for the rest of her long teaching career. Throughout the years she touched the lives of so many local students who will fondly remember her penchant for both the written and verbal English language. Ray was one of the founders of Keswick Public Library where she acted as its first (volunteer) librarian and served on its board for many years. Ray and John were also avid curlers and prominent members of the York curling club in Newmarket. Ray was renowned for her ability to write poetry for any occasion and her skills as a wordsmith brought joy to untold numbers of recipients of her sharp wit. Ray was a long-time member of K.O.G.S. (Keswick Old Girls social group) and K.A.R.E. (Keswick Association of Retired Educators... an informal group that meets regularly for lunch) She will be sadly missed by so many friends. Many thanks to the wonderful people at Cedarvale who were always there for Ray. To honour Ray’s request no service will take place and a celebration of life will be conducted locally at a future date. Donations can be made through M.W. Becker’s funeral home website or directly to the charity of your choice.