Wendy Watt, tireless Grimsby champion, dies at 78

By Katherine Grant
NewsNow

Grimsby has lost one of its most fierce champions.

Although diminutive in size, there was nothing small about the spirit of Wendy Watt.

Watt, who served as a Grimsby alderman for 12 years, died at McNally House on Sunday. She was 78.

“Wendy was one of the most fierce, passionate community minded-person I have ever met in all of her four-foot-plus frame,” said former regional councillor Debbie Zimmerman.

“I worked with Wendy on countless committees; her boundless determination for Grimsby and its future was evident in her work on regional economic development work , chamber of commerce and all things historical. Wendy didn’t drive so I often picked her up to go meetings when she was an alderman and we spent lots of time going over the evenings events.

“Her love of her family and community is what made her so special, and she left an indelible mark on Grimsby!”

As an alderman, she was very effective in moving forward those things she felt were right for the town and its residents.

“I enjoyed working with Wendy,” said Nick Andreychuk who served as mayor during Watt’s time on council.

“I think everyone who knew her would agree she worked hard to get things done to make this town a better place and she wasn’t one to mince words when it came time to make her point. But the happiness of other people was important to her so she worked hard to bring about positive changes.”

Watt was very proud of Grimsby’s rich heritage and was knowledgeable about its history.

“I loved Wendy for her wisdom, common sense and kindness to everyone,” said her friend Dorothy Tur- cotte.

“She was a good friend, and our many conversations over

the years have greatly enriched my life. Wendy did a great deal of good for Grimsby in many capacities. We will miss her very much.”

In addition to her time on council, she was proud to serve on numerous boards and committees. Some of her achievements in- clude being a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; being Grimsby Citizen of the Year; earning a medal for volunteer- ing on Canada’s 125th birthday, and; being a recipient of the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris fellowship award, to name just a few.

Watt is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jack, and her son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Loraina, and grandchildren Taylor and Connor; she was predeceased by her son, Tim, in 1993.

Watt’s funeral is set for this Saturday, July 4 at Stonehouse-Whitcomb Funeral Home, 11 Mountain St., Grimsby. Visitation will take place at Trinity United

Church, 100 Main St., Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Memorial donations to McNally House would be sincerely appreciated by her family.