Phyllis Arlene Watson, nee Ufland

May 8, 1938 - November 12, 2025 

Arlene passed away peacefully on the afternoon of November 12, 2025. She is survived by her daughters Linda (Terry), and Jennifer (Ron). She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Gail Richard Watson (October 10, 1933 - February 14, 2016), and youngest daughter, Susan Jane Watson (April 16, 1965 - August 28, 2019). 

Arlene was born in Lethbridge, AB, and moved with her mother and father to Calgary, AB in 1951 where she attended Langevin High School, now known as Riverside High School. She was a studious student who excelled in English, history, geography, and social studies. She and Gail met in 1954 while they were both working for Revenue Canada and, after an excitement-filled courtship, they married on February 26, 1956. In 1970 they and their three daughters moved to North Vancouver, BC, and then in 2011 the two of them moved to Maple Ridge, BC. 

Arlene and Gail both loved five pin bowling, a sport they actively participated in together for many years and had a large collection of trophies to show for it. They also enjoyed a fast-paced game of ping pong almost as much as they enjoyed the time they spent later in their lives with their grandchildren, Kevin, James, and Carly. 

By far, their favourite place on Earth was Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville, BC, where they and their family vacationed every year since 1958. They spent their time there, with binoculars and cameras slung around their necks, beach-combing, bird watching, and building sand castles and camp fires with their young daughters and, later in life, their grandchildren. 

Arlene loved to read and always had a novel or two on the go plus she was always up for sipping a hot cuppa tea while playing rousing games of gin rummy with her mother-in-law, Dorothy Elizabeth Watson, nee Card. She also loved to attend Jazzercise classes with Jennifer. 

Arlene’s daughters are tremendously thankful for the amazing care and kindness she received over the past nine years from Dr. Stuart and all the members of her care team at Baillie House Long Term Care Home. Her caregivers often mentioned how pleasant and easy to care for she was and after her passing a number of them shared how much they will miss her. 

Linda and Jennifer also extend their thanks and appreciation to Lisa and Amanda from Friendly Neighbour Senior Services, who added much joy and interest to Arlene’s days through their regular visits with her at Baillie House; https://www.friendlyneighbour.ca/about-senior-care-vancouver 

Arlene’s remains were cremated by A Simple Cremation in Maple Ridge, BC, and, as per Arlene’s wishes, a private family get together will be held to celebrate her life. 

Memorial contributions can be made to: 

Baillie House Long Term Care Home, where Arlene was provided with kind and compassionate care for nine years, via the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation at: https://rmhfoundation.com/donate/ NOTE: Choose “Baillie House” in the drop down menu titled “Choose a fund to direct your donation” 

Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, a 105-bedroom, leading-edge center for mental health treatment and substance abuse and addiction, the first such facility in North America. Donate at: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E355819QE&id=1