Florence Joyce Wattson, age 92, of San Diego, CA, previously of Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Roseville, passed away under hospice care at her retirement village in San Diego on July 17, 2017.
She was born in Gaylord on March 18, 1925, the fourth daughter of Helen Eva “Pat” Walsh and Alfred M. Wattson. She graduated with honors in 1943 from St. Mary High School and attended Bay City Business School and later graduated from Aquinas College. Florence was an outstanding English teacher for many years at Roseville High School and worked as the head of the English Department.
When Florence retired she moved to the San Diego area and whenever she could, she enjoyed watching the sunset over the ocean. She also taught children, teens, and adults – remedial reading, played bridge and was very active in her retirement community where she helped establish the lending library. She also appreciated the many visits of close relatives and friends and loved to go out to lunch, brunch or to watch the “Green Flash!”
Florence is survived by her brother, James (Beverly) Wattson of Englewood, FL, and sister, Pat (Charles) Nelson of Gaylord. She has many extended family members, nieces, nephews and great- nieces and nephews who all loved her. They will always remember, with appreciation, the gentle reminder from her when their English grammar was not quite correct. She-loved them all and enjoyed their visits immensely.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters; Kathleen Wattson, Betty (George) House, Edith (Ralph) Holewinski, and Alice (Robert) Metzger, brothers; William B Wattson and Charles W. (Mary Parlett) Wattson.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 10:00 AM from St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. The family will receive friends at the cathedral on Saturday (October 7) from 9:00 AM until the time of services.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Operation Smile (benefiting children with cleft palate and clef lip) an organization very close to Florence’s heart. OPERATIONSMILE.ORG 3641 FACULTY BLVD., VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23453.
3 comments on “Wattson, Florence”
I am very sad that I will never hear this woman’s laugh again. She was remarkable and loved, and she will be missed. Hugs and thoughts of comfort to all the Wattson’s and Aunt Florence’s friends.
Pat and Chuck, so sorry for your loss, A person is never ready to lose a loved one, Just remember all the good times, you have had along the way, it will help to heal you in your loss. My condolences to you and your families. Erma O’Rourke.
I will forever be grateful that Aunt Florence taught me/us to play cards! It is a Wattson/Nelson favorite – Otsego Lake forever….Bridge, Push, Gin, and Go Fish. I hope she is playing cards and laughing in heaven. xo