In Memory of Shelagh Dillon Watters

Family and friends of the late Shelagh Dillon Watters established the Shelagh Dillon Watters Bursary in her memory.

Shelagh grew up in London, Ontario during the 30’s on a small farm, and took on family responsibilities from an early age. Shelagh graduated from high school at age 15, worked for an insurance company, and quickly decided this was not for her. She completed training in physiotherapy at the University of Toronto in 1944, and then joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as Lt. (N/S). She served in Ottawa and Montreal, and then at London Military Hospital, Crumlin, Ontario, where she met Neil. They were married in London on November 1, 1947, and lived briefly in Galt, in Toronto until 1987, and then at the farm in Cookstown, Ontario, with winters in Crystal River, Florida.

Shelagh was guided by duty, love and beauty. She set herself high standards, often critical of her own work. An artist in all she did, she strove to bring harmony (at times to a house of unruly boys), nurturing both family and community. She had a special bond with her daughters-in-law and granddaughters, being both mentor and mother to all. A lifelong learner, she attended many U of T extension courses. She was a figure skater in her youth, played the piano well and exposed her children to music. After trips to Europe, Shelagh became a fine chef. Her cooking was an inspiration to her daughter and daughters in-law, and even to her sons. In latter years, bounty from Neil’s garden in Cookstown was preserved for family and friends. Each grandchild now treasures their own beautiful quilt, made by Shelagh and filled with personal references. She was an avid gardener. A member of the Garden Club of Toronto, she excelled at dried flower arrangements. Her gardens at Cookstown were included in tours. In the early 1970s, Shelagh joined the Association of Woman Electors, attending meetings at City Hall, helping to improve oversight and governance. Later in life Shelagh began to paint, and became a very accomplished watercolourist. She studied with distinguished teachers, a number of whom became lifelong friends.

Shelagh passed away in 2008.