KATHY WATSON
Katherine Jeanne Watson passed away peacefully at home in Carling Township on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, at age 62 years.
Born and raised in Ottawa, she was the daughter of Patricia Watson and the late Michael Watson, and sister of Douglas Watson (Kira Kaminsky) and Gregory Watson. Kathy is remembered by her nieces and nephews: Patrick, Jamie and Maya; and Dimitri and Simon.
Kathy earned a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education at McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University, with teaching placements in Parry Sound and Pangnirtung, Nunavut.
Kathy loved the outdoors and spent summers travelling in Canada, hiking, canoeing and kayaking. Her favourite places were northern Georgian Bay and the Pukaskwa coast of Lake Superior. Her happy place was puttering in camp on a wilderness trip, cooking, reading, drawing and exploring. She worked at Camp Kwasind as the recreation director, where she taught swimming, canoeing and sailing. She worked for Red Cross as a program advisor, where she visited pools and camps. She worked for White Squall as a kayak instructor and guide, where she shared her love for Georgian Bay. Kathy worked at Parry Sound High School for 30 years as a guidance counsellor, phys. ed./outdoor ed., geography and careers teacher. Her fondest memories are of skiing and making winter camps with her Outdoor Education classes.
Kathy liked setting off on an adventure and went kayaking in Haida Gwaii, Cape Breton Island and Newfoundland parks. She taught phys. ed. and outdoor ed. in Darwin Australia, travelled in Northern and Western Australia, went scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and went hiking in Tasmania and New Zealand. At home, Kathy enjoyed skiing the classic cross-country trails at Georgian Nordic, cycling on cottage roads and swimming in Georgian Bay.
Kathy treasured time with family, connecting with her brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She showed a genuine love for children and took the time to play and listen.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy’s honour may be made to:
Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve – Outer Islands Project
Parry Sound Forest School
Ryan’s Well
Condolences
Always admired her quiet wisdom and confidence. As a fellow workmate and guide for many years at White Squall, I feel lucky to gave been part of those special years.
Fair winds Kathy.
-Patti Morel
I have such fond memories of being in Kathy’s class at PSHS and then later co-guiding with her on White Squall trips. She was always kind, gentle and sweet. She knew her role well as a leader. I’m so glad I had the chance to learn from her. Gone too soon.
-Susan Adams (nee Weeks)
Hello and I am sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was a gentle, sweet and kind spirit.
-Janet Patterson
My deepest sympathy for your family. Kathy was a real original with a deep soul . We were both teachers but met during a healing journey in the 90s. A group of women gathered at different times, at workshops, we practiced Reiki and had pot lucks, laughed around campfires. Her bright smile was a beam of light. She will be in our hearts.
-Susan Telford
Kathy was a special woman with strong personal ideas and beliefs. She lived her life with an unshakeable integrity. She remained strong through her illness and set her own terms. Rest in peace, Kathy.
-Jane Culverwell
Sad to hear that she has passed, she was a very kind and helpful teacher. She has left many fond memories of everyone she taught and especially in her relationships.
Condolences to the family
-Florence Tabobandung
Kathy was a remarkable woman. One always felt calm and safe when with her.
-cathy crawley
Kathy passed peacefully, leaving behind a life that reflected gentleness, creativity, and deep compassion for the world around her. She found joy in life’s quiet moments — the stillness of the morning, the beauty of nature, and the simple comfort of being surrounded by those she loved.
She felt most at peace near the water, especially while kayaking on the vast and beautiful shores of Lake Superior. The lake’s calm strength mirrored her own spirit: peaceful, steady, and deeply connected to the natural world. Whether drifting across the water or admiring the changing skies, she carried a profound appreciation for beauty wherever she went.
A creative soul at heart, Kathy expressed herself through art and imagination. She loved creating, exploring color and texture, and sharing her artistic spirit with others. Her creativity was not only seen in her artwork, but also in the way she lived — with kindness, openness, and a quiet grace that made people feel welcome and understood.
She believed deeply in peace, love, and treating everyone with compassion. Her gentle nature and caring heart touched many lives, and her presence brought comfort to those fortunate enough to know her. She saw beauty in people, in nature, and in everyday moments that others often overlooked.
Though she will be greatly missed, her spirit lives on in the art she created, the love she shared, and the peaceful memories she leaves behind. May those who knew her carry forward her kindness, creativity, and appreciation for the simple beauty of life.
-Tiffany
Kathy was a kind and gentle woman who cared deeply for the students she worked with. I am grateful for the years we worked together. She was a true adventurer and a quiet compassionate soul. Peace be with her.
-Jane Liddell
Kathy and I met at Teacher’s College and remained friends for over 30 years. While being an intrepid solo adventurer she was also a thoughtful friend who never forgot a birthday and sent wonderful cards and letters. She was an accomplished paddler, camper, hiker and skier – and even an awesome person to go dress-shopping with. She was an all-around great human being and is a loss to us all.
-Terry Webster
I am sorry that Kathy has gone, and so young. She made the most of her passion, though, of living in the out-of-doors. That is where she was truly content. The photo on her recent obituary says it all. Happy and content. Good for her using her time and energy to see so much of the wild natural world, so often by canoe or kayak. We were kindred spirits who often met in these recent years on the ski trails at the Georgian Nordic club. I did not realize she had been Recreation Director at Camp Kwasind. I was on waterfront staff there many years ago, so that is another common thread between us. I will miss our random chats and meetings, and especially her smile.
-Patricia and Richard Poole
Fond memories of her laugh and our time kayaking together. The image of her forging ahead to shelter through a sudden storm front comes to mind often when I’m on the water. Fair winds, friend!
-Adrienne Montgomerie
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