Alma Joyce Watson

Alma (Joyce) Watson, 93, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away on June 17, 2023. She was born to parents Leonard and Sarah Jones on June 16, 1930, in Liverpool, Lancashire, UK.

After earning her diploma from a teacher's college in England, Joyce moved to Canada in 1953. She began teaching with Edmonton Public Schools in September 1961. She returned to university to complete courses in the evening (after teaching all day) and graduated from the University of Alberta with a BED in 1968. She also worked tirelessly as co-owner of Castledowns School of Dance helping to fulfill the bookkeeping/receptionist role for many years. After 33 years of teaching service, she retired from Edmonton Public Schools in June 1994.

Joyce was very well-travelled; there were very few places in the world that she didn’t visit. She saw most of the European countries, China, Australia, Mexico and many US states (where she used to stay to escape the cold winter months) but her favourite place to visit was St. Petersburg. She was an avid reader and enjoyed attending live theatre, shopping, doing petit point and playing cards. Joyce took great pride in her appearance and was always well-dressed. She taught in high heel shoes and a dress or skirt every day until her retirement. As her health declined, she remained sharp as a tack. 

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Sarah, older sister, Beryl Caine (Harry), younger brother, Leonard, and grandson, Cory. She leaves to mourn three children: Stephen (Barbara), Lesley Ettinger (David) and Brent (Donna). She is survived by eight grandchildren: Janine, Samantha, Kody, Matthew, Ty, Brendon, Brooklyn and Tori and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.