Havelock community celebrates the life of Miz Watson

Community members walk in celebration during Miz Watson’s farewell parade in Havelock, a colourful tribute to a beloved local matriarch who spent decades giving back. Photo by Marina Kydd.

On Saturday morning the village of Havelock came together to celebrate the life of Karen ‘Miz’ Watson with a joyful farewell parade. Known for her decades of volunteer work, Miz was a vibrant presence in the community.

Before Miz passed away in December, she made her final wishes known in a notebook, titled I’m Dead, Now What?, in which she requests a colourful parade instead of a traditional funeral. The result was a heartfelt tribute with vintage cars, schoolchildren, buggies, and neighbours walking together through the village streets.

I walked the parade route with her family and community members who shared stories of her generosity, humour, and bold spirit. It was more than a goodbye. It was a reflection of everything Miz believed in: connection, kindness, joy.