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Susan Watkinson Obituary
Susan Watkinson, 75, a lifetime Washingtonian and a resident of Bremerton since 2001, died on January 17, 2015 following a courageous two year battle with cancer.
Born on June 24, 1939 in Seattle, Susie was the daughter of Harvey R. and Marjorie H. Hendrickson. As a child, her family moved to Illahee, Washington, while her father worked at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. Following WWII, they moved back to Seattle and settled on Queen Anne Hill. Susie attended John Hay Elementary School and was a 1957 graduate and student body officer at Queen Anne High School. She then studied at the University of Washington, where she majored in Elementary Education and Art, and was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. She graduated with a bachelors degree in Education in 1961 and began her teaching career that fall.
Susie married Gary M. Watkinson in December 1961. That marriage ended in divorce but resulted in two children who survived her: Julie (Watkinson) Moore (born in 1964) and Scott Watkinson (born in 1967). She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Hanna and Cooper Watkinson, son-in-law Ron Moore and daughter-in-law Annika Watkinson (all of Silverdale/Bremerton), her step-grandson Bradley Moore, of Seattle, her brother Tom Hendrickson and his wife Verna, nephew Tyler Hendrickson and niece Holly Hendrickson (all of Portland, Oregon.
Susie was a wonderful, loving person whose care for others made her not only a beloved mother and grandmother, but also an incredible teacher, who will be long be remembered by her students and their families. Early on, she taught in the Shoreline and Seattle districts, but her happiest years were as an elementary teacher at the Sacred Heart School in Bellevue. Susie sparked curiosity and creativity in her students during her years there, passing on her love of reading, music and incredibly imaginative art projects. Her art was also her vocation: her baker's clay Christmas ornaments "By Susie" were treasured throughout the Northwest.
Susie's last 14 years living on the Kitsap Peninsula gave her a chance to spend much more of her time with her children and grandchildren. She loved her family, her golden retriever, Elliott, and she loved the Seahawks -
especially Russell Wilson.
We will miss her every day.
Susie will be remembered at a gathering at The MOHAI in Seattle on February 22nd at 1:00pm. Family, friends and those whose lives were touched by Susie are invited to attend and remember the joy that she brought us during her 75 years of kindness.
Sign Susie's on line
Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Watkinson
Sponsored by The Family.
karen graham
February 20, 2015
Susie was our neighbor in Beckonridge when we moved here from Ann Arbor in 1974. Our kids were very fond of her and they adored Julie and Scott. They were in awe of the stories she would tell of Henry (the invisible hippo). She made special cookie dough ornaments for them for Christmas. I remember visiting her when they moved to Bellevue. We took our electric hedge trimmers up and helped trim the Hawthorn tree and Pyrocantha bush until we cut through the cord and couldn't use it. She was always bright and effervescent, and told the best stories! She will be missed. Karen Graham
February 19, 2015
I was Suzies neighbor in Beckonridge. She was a wonderful neighbor,so much fun. I think of her everytime I hang one of her lovely ornaments on my tree. May she rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to Scott and Julie who used to play with my children Marilyn Nock Bartlett
wwwonderful Christmas ornaments and think of her everytime I decorate my tree. My heartfelt condolences to Scott and Julie who used to play with my children. Marilyn Nock Bartlett
Judy Doan-Kibble
February 9, 2015
Susie was my big sister in the Delta Gamma Sorority at the Univ.of Wa. She was so special and so much fun!!! We developed a wonderful friendship, and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. I loved her positive attitude and amazing creativity. I will always hold her memory close to my heart. Much love and condolences to all her family.
Sherry Lawrence
February 7, 2015
We lived across the street from the Watkinsons in Bellevue. Susie laughed all the time! She was enthusiastic about everything, it seemed. Wonderful neighborhood -- and Susie was part of what made it fun.
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Sarah Lawrence
February 6, 2015
We moved into Mrs. Watkinson's neighborhood when I was 9 and my brother was 8. We spent years playing with Julie and Scott. Mrs. Watkinson was so kind, creative and fun. One summer, we kids were trying to catch a chicken that had mysteriously appeared in the neighborhood. We called ourselves the "Chickie-Boom Club." Mrs. Watkinson made us matching chicken necklaces out of clay to wear. I also remember when one of us kids innocently asked her, "What does 'sexy' mean?" She thought for just a moment and then replied, "Sexy is ... a girl in an itsie-bitsie, teeney-weeney, purple polka-dot bikini!" Thanks for the fun and the memories, Mrs. Watkinson!
February 4, 2015
Susie loved her students and had a gift of sharing such endearing stories about classroom adventures. Her joy spread to us all as she reminded us through her humor why we all entered the field. Blessings on her spirit.
Full of life and laughter!
Leslie Bigos
February 3, 2015
Susie at her Sacred Heart Retirement Party
Leslie Bigos
February 3, 2015
Judy Vedder Thompson
February 3, 2015
Susie and I were Delta Gamma Fraternity sisters for four years both graduating and becoming teachers. Living in the sorority house was lots of fun with Susie---being seniors and officers gave us lots of time to tell stories and laugh. I haven't seen her during the last few years, but would run into her from time to time. My love and thoughts to all the family. Your wonderful memories of Susie will help during this difficult time. See you on the 22nd. Judy
February 3, 2015
We met when she was my neighbor in Tacoma and remained close friends for over 30 years. When she lived in Bellevue even after retiring from teaching there, countless times we were stopped by former students who wanted to talk to Mrs. Watkinson. She was so creative and brought a delightful dimension to my life and many others. She loved garage sales, bonsai, movies, crossword puzzles,Wright's Park Conservatory usually followed by a Frisco Freeze burger, books, music, decorating but most of all her family. I miss her so much already.
Julie Truskowski
February 2, 2015
We were lucky to grow up in a neighborhood where there were lots of opportunities to just play. I have many memories of games, art projects, dress-up, watching Shirley Temple movies, and enjoying the silliness of being a kid. Susie is a big part of those memories, and I cherish them. Thank you, Susie! You will always have a special place in my heart.
February 1, 2015
Our hearts go out to Julie and Ron and Scott and his family as well as the rest of Susie's family and friends. She put up such a valiant struggle to stay with all of us but deserves to now be at peace. She had a sweet sense of humor and was always active with something creative. God love you, Susie and tell Elliot we said hello.
Walter and Dolores
Jeff Tomczak
February 1, 2015
I was saddened to discover "Mrs. Watkinson" had passed away. Her name jumped out at me. I was a second grader at Parkwood Elem. in 1961, her first year teaching. All the boys were in love with her and we were crushed when she announced she had gotten married. Mrs. Watkinson was a wonderful, caring and nurturing soul. I still have many warm memories of that year these 51 years later.
R.I.P. Susie,
Jeff Tomczak
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