Bernadette "Bernie" (nee Fitzpatrick) Watts, 65 years old, of Springfield Missouri passed away on the morning of April 14. Bernadette's hard fought battle with colon cancer was ended peacefully in her sleep. She was born February 1st, 1951 to Bernard and Louise (nee Davis) Fitzpatrick of Dunville, Newfoundland. She married Lawrence Watts, of Long Beach, California, while he was stationed on the US Navy base in Argentia, Newfoundland. The ceremony was held at the Northeast Arms Camp on May 18th, 1979.

She proudly became a business owner by opening her own hair salon in Freshwater, Newfoundland. Bernadette and Larry moved to Minnesota in 1983 where they raised their two daughters, Laura Emily Watts and Christine Elizabeth Watts. "Ms. Bernadette" worked as a pre-school teacher for 13 years for the City of Minneapolis. During her tenure she made a positive impact on the lives of Northeast children. She retired from the Minneapolis Park Board in 2005.

In 2005, Bernadette and Larry decided to seek warmer climates and became residents of Springfield, Missouri. She made many dear friends while living on Washita Street and working at Walmart (store #179.) Bernadette was an avid crafter. She loved to knit, crochet, sew and cross stich. She leaves behind many treasured friends that she met as a member of the knitting group at First and Calvary Church of Springfield, MO.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and several cousins.

Bernadette was survived by her husband, Lawrence, of 36 years; both daughters; brother Wayne Fitzpatrick of St. John's, Newfoundland; sister, Sharon (John) Zawaski, of Canton, Ohio; twin sister Madonna Carter, of Berlin, New Hampshire; sister, Gail Wakeham of St. John's, Newfoundland; sister, Beverly (John Harquil) Fitzpatrick of Riverview, New Brunswick; many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

According to Bernadette's wishes her body will be cremated. Please join her friends and family at open house celebration of her life. The celebration be held on Friday, April 29th from 3-7 at the family's home at 1655 East Washita Street Springfield, Missouri 65804.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Lawrence Watts to help cover medical and burial expenses; 2809 Lincoln Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55418.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday May 21st, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Church, 4030 Jackson Street Columbia Heights, MN 55421.  The family asks that you join them for lunch from 11-2pm at Audubon Park, 1320 29th Avenue NE.