Christine Mary Watkins

April 16th, 2023

On April 16, 2023, under a sky filled with rainbows, Christine Mary Watkins (Nauss) passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.  Christine fought a long and courageous battle with Cancer; never letting her disease define her or hinder her ability to care for others.  Without a self-serving bone in her body, her beauty was made evident by her fierce love for her daughter (Chelsey Iwama), grandkids (Reef & Lola) and adoring husband (Bill Watkins).
 
A Maritimer through and through, Christine was only truly at home when by the sea or with her family.  It was only fitting then, that the one thing that could ever take her from Nova Scotia was an eventual move to the West where her and Bill could live down the street from her daughter and son-in-law (Adam Iwama) and she could be the world’s greatest Nana to Reef and Lola.  Indeed, “Nana’s place” was a magical one.  Here, a husband was loved, a daughter cherished, and grandchildren made to feel as though life was about being silly, eating treats, and having fun.
 
Maybe it was her impeccably designed homes, a seemingly never-ending wardrobe of stylish outfits, or perhaps it was that not a single holiday could escape her perfect eye for décor; but Christine’s creativity shone through in everything she touched.  This wasn’t limited to showings of grandeur, as she could turn roadside cat-tails or cedar boughs gathered from the forest into thoughtful displays reflecting each change of the seasons. 
 
Everything, however, periled in comparison to the space in Christine’s heart reserved for her daughter.  To say she found purpose in being a Mother to Chelsey would be an understatement, and she held her girl in the highest regard.  Chelsey was the source of her happiness and strength, and nothing could curb Christine’s undying love for her “angel.”
 
In addition to her immediate family, Christine is survived by her brothers, sisters-in-law, nephew, nieces, great-nieces and dear friends whom she cherished and adored lovingly.  Christine will make her final trip home to Nova Scotia to be laid to rest near her parents Charles Walton Nauss and Joan Patterson Nauss (Simmons), sister Stephanie Joan Nauss, and her son Charles “Ryan” Laurian Watkins.  In lieu of flowers, treat yourself to a banana split, support the school band fundraiser, call a friend, or make your family feel loved.  That’s what Christine would do.

Messages:

We have so many memories and had fun times with Christine and Bill. We were previous neighbours on Phoenix St. We met up in Disney world once. She was classy, creative, and could always make a great home. Chelsey, you were her life. Never forget that. Oh she could curse. Anyone who curses is real. Christine was just that…..real. Another reason why we just clicked. We would confide in each other, which was a blessing. There was no if, buts, or maybe about her. I’m glad she was part of my life. I am blessed for my time with her. I know you all are hurting. I wish I could take your pain away. Love ❤️ Holly and Patrick.

So sorry to hear this a good friend. We had lunch together in b c. She was so positive and accepting of her condition. Her family so supportive. You will be missed and remembered. Love you

I will carry your love with me always, Mom. I miss you, so much.

My sincere condolences to the family of the lovely Christine. Such a beautiful authentic person gone to soon.

Bill, Chelsea and family so sorry to hear of the loss of Christine. So many great memories of the good times we spent together when you lived in Bridgewater, Bill. You guys always made us feel so welcome when we visited you. God bless you all! Take care.

To the family…So very shocked and saddened to learn of Christine’s passing. She was a beautiful, talented woman and I enjoyed meeting her for an occasional chat when in Bridgewater, her home town. Please know I share in your sorrow. Hugs, Carolyn A. Young-Conrad

Chelsey, Bill and Adam, this is sad news. Christine loved you all fiercely and your lives will never be the same. Cherish your memories and hold her in your heart until you meet up with her again. My deepest condolences. Maureen

……..I did not have the pleasure of knowing your mother at all but her striking photograph caught my attention in the Saltwire Obituaries this morning and I felt compelled to read about her…………and now I feel I do know her because of such a heartfelt and descriptive, not to mention LOVING portrait of her the words painted! You have my true sympathy of such a loss……..I am a proud Nova Scotian woman too, and the ocean and my family and beauty and nature mean the very same to me ……..it is so obvious how much she was cherished, and appreciated and adored, and also how very many beautiful memories she has left you all with, my prayer is that they will continue to comfort and guide you throughout these difficult days ahead……..and for your whole lives yet lived…..God bless you!

Sending condolences to Bill & Chelsea at this sad time. You probably don't remember Bill but you rented our house for a year in Crescent Beach in the early 90's. Christine did such a wonderful job redecorating some of the rooms, Chelsea was just a little girl at the time. Just reminiscing about the past today and came across this sad news. So sorry for you loss.

I worked with Christine at People's Jewelry before she uprooted to BC. I'm so sad to hear of her passing. My heart goes out to Christine's beautiful family. I hope the memories she has left you with bring you comfort in this difficult time

Dear Bill, Chelsey, Adam & Family... So sorry to hear of the passing of Christine...My thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time... Her spirit lives on in you and watches over you from Heaven's Balcony.. I will miss my Life Long Friend... Touch the Sand... Feel the Breeze... Hear the Ocean... Be at Ease... We'll meet You where the Sky touches the Sea...

We concur with all the wonderful things mentioned in this obituary. Christine was and is a great and talented lady! Our prayers and thoughts are with the loved ones left to grieve but also to cherish the wonderful memories of a life well lived!

I was never able to meet Christine. However Brent Watkins always had kind words about her and her daughter Chelsey. I hope they will find each other again now that they have both moved on.

My condolences to Christine's family and friends. Christine and I lived in the same neighborhood, were classmates for a few years at Bridgewater High, and our social circles rubbed shoulders occasionally, so Christine and I were somewhere between friends and acquaintances. I liked Christine; she was funny and warm and occasionally outrageous, and that was fine by me. Like most high school friends, we drifted apart as life pulled us towards different goals, but we bumped into each other occasionally in the following decades. She was nice. I liked her. I will remember her fondly.

Dear Bill and Chelsey, I feel so sad to have just read Christine’s obituary. Christine was so very passionate about the love for you both. Her tribute captures her essence so well. Chelsey, she was always so very proud of you and loved so deeply. I recall her being so feisty, funny and passionate about those she loved. You may not realize how your lives could possibly go on without her. Indeed there will always be an empty place in your hearts. In time it will fill again with the love of her precious grandchildren and the beautiful memories you hold of her. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear wife and mother.

I’m so sorry for you loss. She always was so vibrant and loving! Sending you so much love in this truly difficult time. We are here for you.

This is such sad and shocking news!! Christine was a beloved fellow BHS student and friend. She will be missed by so many. Another beautiful person gone much too soon. Rest in loving peace Christine.....GODSPEED!!!

To Christine's family.. Very sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother, wife, sister and friend. I always enjoyed my contacts with Christine growing up. She was very kind and giving and made time for all of us. She never allowed her cancer to define her and embraced life with such positivity and hopefulness. Am grateful that I did get to spend time with her during her last visit to Nova Scotia. She loved her family fiercely and know she will be missed terribly. Cherish all the wonderful memories she created for all of you. Rest in peace dear cousin. Sincerely, David Nauss

So sorry to hear this sad news. I can still hear her laugh

Don and I were very sorry to hear of Christine’s passing. We did not know that she was ill. It is lovely to hear that she enjoyed her time being a grandmother. She could always decorate her homes beautifully! We want to extend our deepest condolences to Chelsey, Bill and all of the family at this very sad time.

deepest condolence to Christine's family she was wonderful person knew her well back in the day (school) she will be missed .she always had a wonderful attitude about life. sincerely linda jonsson

Angel, Christine. How you will be so missed. You were a light in this world. What a joy and pleasure to have known you. Rest easy now, we will take care of the rest.

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