Obituary of Ramona Grace McWatt (nee Bird)

Ramona Grace McWatt (Bird) passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025 at Fairview Mennonite Home at the age of 96.

Predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Charles William (Bud) McWatt (1929-2019).

Ramona will be sadly missed by her children Sharon Caron (Brad), Rick (Jacquie) and Robert (Kim), her grandchildren Peter Caron (Marie), Laura Pottie (Jason), Richard (Kellie), Sydney and Elias McWatt, and great-grandchildren Carter and Emilia Pottie, and Louise and Elizabeth Caron.

Ramona was born to Sam and Laura Bird on September 30, 1929 in North Woolwich (Elmira), Ontario, and grew up on the family farm with her parents and siblings. Later, Ramona attended high school in Elmira and then moved on to nursing school where she completed her training and graduated as an RN from Galt General Hospital on June 5, 1953.

Ramona began her work in public health nursing in the Fort Frances area of Northwestern Ontario where she met Bud. They married on Sept. 3, 1954 and followed Bud’s career to Glencoe in 1962. Here, she returned to nursing both in public health and at Strathroy General Hospital. In 1977, Bud’s work brought them back to Waterloo Region, some 24 years since Ramona had left. Most recently, she resided in Cambridge at Fairview Mennonite Home.

Ramona enjoyed many pursuits over the years, including quilting, curling, bowling, gardening and canning. She maintained her nursing credentials into retirement and was active in her church community and choir.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fairview Mennonite Home for their care and compassion.

A visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by a memorial service in the funeral home’s chapel at 12:30 p.m. A reception will follow with interment later the same day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Knox Presbyterian Church (Waterloo) or Fairview Mennonite Home (Cambridge). Donations and condolences may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.