Obituary of Shirley Iona Watt

WATT, Shirley Iona Essie (Dodd, Ewen), 87, Halifax. It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley on July 8, 2023, in the Halifax Infirmary. Shirley was born in Ottawa, Ontario, she was the daughter of Sylvester Dodd and Velma (MacArthur) Dodd. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Truax (Ernie), Crystal Cadeau (Randy), Kathryn Hobson, Carolyn Ewen, Diane Ewen; sisters, Pat Bowman, Diane Howse; grandchildren, Christopher Dillabough (Jessica), Kenneth Dillabough, Danielle Dillabough (Craig), Patrick Cadeau, Ryan Cadeau (Jacklynn), Nicholas Hobson (Christine), Mathew Hobson (Kathryn); and her many great-grandchildren. Shirley was predeceased by her husband’s, Henry Ewen and Richard Watt; brothers, Dornell Dodd, Ken Hodgins, Larry Hodgins. In her younger years her artistic ability became evident. Her drawing and poem compositions were beautiful on many levels. She had a great passion for reading, with a special interest in history. Her knowledge of words was amazing. If she came across a word she didn’t know, she took that as a challenge, always looking it up in the dictionary consistently adding to her literary skills. In Shirley’s early married years she learned from a neighbour to knit and sew. She bestowed that knowledge on to her five daughters. Her love for fabric soon transitioned to an income, when she opened a small fabric store in Matheson. In the late 70’s she opened a shop with her daughter; teaching ceramics and Shirley later adding flower arranging to her talents at the shop. She moved from Matheson, Ontario to Ottawa, to Whitby and then Halifax in 1997. She stayed there for the remainder of her life. She loved the ocean and would often take a chair to go sit by the seaside. She worked in a variety of professions and avenues of life but her most favorite was cooking. Shirley was an amazing cook. It was her heart and soul. She always had to contribute to a family meal. Even at the age of 87 she was still excited about finding and trying new recipes out. Of course, there was always someone willing to sample! Her greatest gift was her emotional support to her daughters, family, friends, and others. You could always call her for a sound discussion with a different perspective and positive spin. She was very spiritual at a young age, ahead of her time. She cherished her family and many life-long friendships. Her favorite companion and gift was her beloved Siamese cat Caleigh, who she cherished and missed greatly. Shirley touched the lives of many and will be missed immensely by family, friends and all who knew her. A special thanks to the nursing staff at the Halifax Infirmary, who were exceptionally kind and compassionate and allowed us to have valuable time with Mom as a family. Arrangements have been entrusted to T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diabetic Society or a Charity of your choice.