Watson (nee Falls), Audrey Marguerite
We lost a remarkably resilient, kind and caring friend to all when Audrey Marguerite Watson died peacefully in Meaford General Hospital on Sunday, August 20th, 2023 in her 97th year. She was the last of her generation of the Falls family from Rocklyn.
Audrey was predeceased by two children, Robert and Leslie Watson, two husbands, Don Watson and Dave Vaughan, brother Ellwood Falls (Gwen), sisters Mylrea Gilchrist (Hugh) and Jeannette Udell/Foster (Jack Udell and Jim Foster) and step-daughter Nancy Vaughan. She is survived by nieces Sharon Falls (Bing Mark, deceased), Rhonda Bott (Dale), Jeannette Platt (Tom), Susan Macdonald (Colin), Nancy Hall (Brian), nephew Grant Gilchrist (Neisha), stepdaughters Carole (Tim Mulroy) and Susan Vaughan and multiple great nieces and nephews, step-grand and great grandchildren.
Audrey will be remembered for her resilience in the face of overwhelming sadness, her joy for living fully and well, and her caring and empathy for all. She had a timeless way about her and an interest in the world that never waivered. Age wasn’t a barrier to friendships as people of all walks of life and those very young to very old were drawn into her orbit. Her friendships were long lasting and deep, and just so important to her. She seldom lost touch with dear friends even when they moved to the other side of the world. That was just an invitation to visit a new place…and get a good long-distance plan.
Audrey was the first born of Stewart and Aulda Falls, growing up on the farm just north of Rocklyn with her brother and two sisters. She had no interest in farmwork or household chores and took every opportunity to hide away with a book – dreaming of people and places far away. As soon as she turned 16, Audrey left for Toronto in a stock truck (with her mother crying by her side). Those early days were challenging – if she left, her father wouldn’t provide any help – so needed to work as many jobs as possible to make ends meet. In one case, two jobs at the Royal York Hotel couldn’t have been more different. First, Audrey sweated in the basement laundry, then changed to sing with a big band upstairs in the Imperial Room…the hotel’s main dancing hotspot.
After the war, she met Don Watson, a recent immigrant from England. Their marriage set the stage for a strong connection to that country and new set of life-long friends. They bought a house in The Beach, where Audrey would be a fixture for over 40 years. The early times were fun as friends and family filled the house for dinners and parties. Very difficult times followed as first Bobby, Don and then Leslie died.
She dealt with the overwhelming sadness by turning grief into action. Audrey honoured the short lives of her children by helping others who faced similar situations. After Bobby died, she worked for Surrey Place, a centre for research and assistance to families with mentally disabled children. Audrey became volunteer co-ordinator and provided direct support for families stressed in caring for their children.
After the death of her daughter, Leslie, Audrey was again searching for help. She found it with Bereaved Families. People worked through their grief in groups, attempting to learn how to live with searing heartbreak. She later volunteered as a group leader for many years, eventually taking a full-time job with the organization.
In the following years, friends and work were the cornerstones of her life. She found a great new friend in Topsy, who had recently lost her husband, and together they set out on numerous adventures over many, many years. Audrey was a great cook and entertained often, pulling her disparate groups of friends together. Her door was always open to those who needed a sympathetic ear or a place to stay for a night or more. She never lost her love of reading and, as her world inevitably narrowed, she devoured at least two books per week, two newspapers daily, always working the sudoku puzzles. Her mind was sharp and opinions, particularly on politics, sharper, to the end.
Travel was always a passion. She travelled the world with friends and to see friends – going to places she could only dream about as a girl. England was her favorite and most visited place but Australia, Tahiti and Hungary behind the Iron Curtain were early adventures, all before these were easy trips to make.
In her early 60s, she got the chance for a second act and second love with Dave Vaughan. Dave and Audrey met as teenagers at their first jobs and remained friends throughout their marriages to others. Sparks flew when they got together and they were married within a few short months, announcing their new lives together with a big party.
Audrey and Dave had a wonderful adventure together for 32 years. They shared a passion for traveling and once circled the globe in a single trip, visiting friends at each stop. Florida was their winter home for many years and again they made good friends where ever they went.
Audrey had declared that she would never come back to Meaford. The family was astonished when she and Dave bought a condo on the harbour, first as a weekend place and later as their full-time home. The condo was her home to the end. She missed her Toronto friends terribly but became even closer to her sister Jeannette and, true to character, found many new friends.
In the last years of her life, Audrey forged wonderful relationships with fellow condo dwellers, within the United Church and various local organizations. These wonderful people supported her whole heartedly and helped her stay in her home to the very end. Special thanks to Sandy Barker, Alma Rennie and Wayne Brown.
In the end, she said she was a very lucky woman being blessed by great friends, caring family and wonderful adventures in her life. Resilience best describes Audrey’s approach to life. She faced heart wrenching times with a courage that most of us can barely imagine. Yet through it all, always chose to look on the bright side and live life to the fullest. That’s what we will remember.
The family wants to thank Dr. Bryan Recoskie and April, the caring nurses and doctors at the Meaford Hospital, the good friends and in-home caregivers who helped keep Audrey in her own home to the end.
A Celebration of Audrey’s Life will be held at the Meaford Town Hall Galleries on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 2 until 4 p.m., with tributes shared at 3 p.m.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or Bereaved Families of Ontario would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Tuesday, August 22, 2023
When Audrey and Dave moved full-time to Meaford, Audrey always kept strong ties to the City. Whether it was various appointments she maintained or her many close relationships. When they came to Toronto, they always stayed with us. This was their second home. Their bedroom was made-up with their own familiar furnishings.
One time (and this is Audrey in her 90’s) she was up early one morning to catch public transportation for a get-together-lunch with a friend downtown. That same day, Audrey was back on public transportation for a dinner date with another friend. Finally, back on public transportation and back to Pickering St. that evening. Audrey’s energy was nothing short of amazing.
What I looked most forward to was sharing a scotch with Audrey at 4:00 prompt on the front porch. No matter where I was I kept a close eye on the time and raced back for a drink and a great chat.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
I was blessed to meet Audrey along with Dave after they closed their condo and spent time in my home on their trips to Toronto . What a joy I felt everytime they drove on to my driveway Audrey was a one of a kind woman it was always a delightful visit As I recall Dave and Audrey were a perfect couple . And the 4pm cocktail was a must . Audrey you will be missed .
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
I remember my short slice of time with Audrey – more than 40 years ago – with great fondness. In my very early 20s at the time, and never having lost someone close to me, I struggled to understand the magnitude of her losses, but I could easily admire her strength and optimism, her commitment to Bereaved Families, and feel her acceptance and love.
Audrey was special. One of the Really Good Ones. I’m glad she found happiness with Dave, and not at all surprised she accumulated a broad posse of friends who loved her. I am a better and more compassionate man for having known her, even briefly.
This is a lovely, and deeply loving testament to Aunt Audrey’s life. Thank you. I am so sorry for your loss, and yet certain you share my gratitude for her life so well lived.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
I am saddened to hear of Audrey’s passing. She was a truly remarkable woman, resilient to the core. I knew her through Bereaved Families where she was a beacon of hope for me as I used to think “If Audrey can survive and keep going so can I.” She gave so much hope and guidance to so many at BFO through her work and volunteering there. We became quite good friends and did meet up for lunches from time to time. My condolences to all those friends and family who loved her – cherish those great memories of this wonderful woman. Even thinking about her makes us all a little stronger.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Jeannette, Sharon and Ronda
Our condolences to you. Your Aunt Audrey was such a lovely lady. I use to enough our chats at the gym. Cherish all you wonderful memories.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
We first met Audrey at Surrey Place. What a time we had in those early years-work-play-parties-plus all the serious stuff of life.
Audrey keep in touch with us on a regular basis wanting to know how we were, where we were travelling, etc.
We are proud to say that Audrey was a dear friend.
Those were the days…..
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I didn’t know Audrey but my parents (Murray and Lois sewell) did and in their memory I send my condolences to the family. What a beautiful description of her life. She must have been such an inspiration.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I met Audrey some years ago at a dinner at the church and just knew she had to be a sister of Jeannette, whom I had known since High School. They sounded so alike. Audrey was a lovely person, always with a smile and some chit chat. My condolences to the family and keep those wonderful memories in your hearts.
Marg Lowe
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
To the Falls family and spouses, our deepest sympathy. We too will mourn the loss of a truly extraordinary lady.
Joan and Shirley
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
My grandfather Dave and Audrey will always be in my heart.
I have so many great memories of them in the beach, on mill street and up in Meaford.
Their laughter and energy was such an inspiration.
Love and bless
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I worked with Audrey at Surrey Place Centre and always enjoyed her as both a colleague and a friend. I used to drive her to work in the mornings and always enjoyed our conversations.
She remained a very positive person in spite of the losses she had endured. Losing Robert brought her to Surrey Place and losing Leslie brought her to Bereaved Families. In both agencies she used her warm, hopeful personality to help others who were grieving a loss. Audrey turned her own tragedies into an opportunity to help others and thus she remained the positive person we all respected and loved,
Audrey used her strength, her humour and her sense of purpose to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in the world, She will be missed by all who knew her,
Condolences to all the family and friends who are grieving her loss. Audrey was a very special woman who brought light into the world in so many ways.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Oh my dear, how I will miss you. Only knew you 13 yrs.
Had so many wonderful chats and laughs
Rest in peace dear friend
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Sharon, Ronda,& Jeanette and family’s our sincere condolences, Audrey was so full of life, a down to earth Lady always a pleasure to have known her. Thinking of you all.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Godspeed Audrey .
You were one of the most remarkable people we knew , always kind cheerful and optimistic
Sincere condolences to your family and friends
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Audrey was a dear client of mine and we had a lot of laughs and great chats. I always thought she was a strong, smart and funny women. She had been through a lot over the years and she turned that around to help others in need, I admired her.
Friday, August 25, 2023
My wife Anita and I were close to Audry and Dave and for many years spent our winters together in Panama City Beach, Florida. We had great times at dance classes, attempting to learn the Texas two-step and the stationery Cha Cha and other dances. We had many good times together in Florida, Toronto and Meaford. With the loss of my wife, and now Audry and Dave, I will miss them so very much. Thank you Carol and God bless.
Friday, August 25, 2023
Such a great lady. Sending my sympathy to you all
Saturday, August 26, 2023
We will miss Audrey so much,she has been part of our lives for a long time, we have had some wonderful times together,and a few sad ones.
Audreys first husband Don Watson was the brother of my closest Janet. After they were married and came to England we all loved her immediately. I am so happy Audrey and Dave came to stay with us a few years ago it was their last visit here. I am 92 and have so many memories of dear Audrey,she will not be forgotten.
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Even though Audrey wasn”t a biological Aunt to me, she was an Aunt throughout my life….a dear sister to my Uncle, “Elwood Falls” (deceased). Audrey was a delightful, vivacious woman, full of curiosity, adventure, hospitality, deep strength & resilience. She will always remain a powerful role model of how to live a full life, despite her own profound losses. Her work with Bereaved Families proved to be a way to share her experience, strength & hope with all of us in ways she can now know. Blessings & love forever “Aunt Audrey”.
Sunday, August 27, 2023
No matter how anonymous you might be to the rest of the world, Audrey had the rare gift of making you feel you were her new best friend. Thanks Audrey…
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Audrey was a lovely neighbor, when we moved to Scarboro Beach 58 years ago.
She was a delightful person, always with a smile and a kind word. We certainly
missed her when she and David moved away. Our condolences to the family.
Sincerely, Hilda and Bruce Grieve