Jeannine "Faye" Eleanor Faye (Tupper) Watkins

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Faye Watkins, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, on January 17, 2019, at the Rockyview Hospital, at the age of 89 years. Faye is survived by Gerald (Gerry), her beloved husband, of 64 years; her daughters, Kate (Bob) Henderson, Mary Jo (Richard) Lerner, and Shelly (Rod) Lebbert; her grandchildren, Jeff (Melissa) Henderson, Stephan (Tenneile) Lerner, Craig Lerner, Alli Lebbert, and Jill Lebbert; her great grandchildren, Halley, Parker, Maeva, Aiden, and Nolan; and her brother, Lorne Tupper of Edmonton. She was predeceased by her grandsons, Andrew and Brad. Faye was born November 21, 1929 in Edmonton, Alberta to John Alvin and Maye Tupper. She had a wonderful childhood which she shared with her brother Lorne (“Bud”). Faye made many close childhood girlfriends, and “The Gals” would become life-long friends. Growing up she enjoyed her time and adventures on her grandparent’s farm in Athabasca. After dancing and studying her way through “Vic” High School in Edmonton, Faye attended the University of Alberta where she received a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with Honours, in 1951. Upon graduation, Faye articled and obtained her Charter Accountant (CA) designation… the second woman in Alberta to do so. Faye was a woman of “independent means”, and articled with Christenson, Simonton and Company in Edmonton. It was at the University of Alberta where Faye met her sweetheart, Gerry. They were wed on September 4, 1954 and began their life adventure as a team. They resided in Calgary where Faye worked for Commercial Tire. After their daughters were born, Faye became a devoted mother. She enjoyed her summers at the lake and later in life, winters in Scottsdale. Faye devoted her time and talents to several organizations including Girl Guides, Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS), Meals on Wheels and the Epilepsy Association. Mom was resilient and an optimist… a woman ahead of her times.  She was a caring and loving person. Rest in peace Mom. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 4 Street SW) on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:30am. Reception to follow.  The family wishes to send special thanks to Dr. Coetzee and the staff at Provital Health and Wellness, the caring staff at Staywell Manor, and the nursing staff in Unit 93 at the Rockyview Hospital. 

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to

St. Mary’s University (14500 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2X 1Z4; 403-531-9130; https://www.stmu.ca/)

or the Alzheimer Society of Calgary (800-7015 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary Alberta, T2H 2K6; 403-290-0110; www.alzheimercalgary.ca)

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