Obituary of Gertie Watts

WATTS, Gertie Elizabeth:  93, Halifax, formerly of New Waterford, Cape Breton, NS, loving wife of 53 years of the late David L. Watts, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at QEII.  Born on February 11, 1920 in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late Keywood and Theresa (Mercer) Boutcher.  Gertie was a lady who was a dedicated life-time member of the Salvation Army, where she served as Corps pianist, Songster Leader (choir director), Sunday school teacher, and Salvationist who was generally ready to do anything to help with her church family.  She was a vibrant and energetic woman who taught piano many years.  She served as President of the Canadian Bible Society of Cape Breton, and she had opened the secretarial department of NewWaterfordConsolidatedHospital in 1963.  Gertie loved to paint and do needlework, and she knitted right up until present.  At age 89, she received her first computer, on which she emailed daily and enjoyed using Facebook to communicate with her family and friends regularly.  She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Dianne Hill (Terry), Dartmouth, her son, David (Donna), of Fort McMurray 5 grandchildren, Geoff, Graeme, Kathleen (Sean Higgins), Sharla and David, 2 step-grandchildren, Gregg and Melanie, as well as a great-granddaughter, Haylee, many cousins, nieces, nephews and the many friends she made during her seven years at Melville Gardens.  She was predeceased by the love of her life, Dave in 1997, and a sister, Moretta.  The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Rev. Gordon Murray for his continued support and faithful presence, to the Staff of Melville Gardens, Staff of the ER and 9 Lane, QEII, for the care given to Gertie, as well as a special thanks to paramedic, Adrian, for going above and beyond with kindness and compassion.   Cremation has taken place under the care of JA Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS (477.5601), where a Service of Remembrance will be held in the chapel on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 3:30 PM, with Rev. Gordon Murray as officiating clergy.  A reception will follow the service.  Interment will take place at a later date at UnionGroveCemetery, New Waterford, NS.  The family would appreciate remembrances in memory of Gertie be made to the charity of one’s choice and on-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com