Ada Marie Watson

1926 - 2015

WATSON, Ada Marie Clarke - Wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Ada passed peacefully on April 2nd at the age of 88. She was born on September 10, 1926, in Los Angeles to Spencer Hargreaves Clarke and Helen Marie Larkin. She was raised in the pre-war rural San Fernando Valley, where she had a wonderful childhood and enjoyed riding her horse, Lady (a gift from Montie Montana) through the alfalfa fields and trails.

She attended Flintridge Sacred Heart and graduated from Van Nuys High School. A Trojan through and through, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and a leader in student activities throughout her school years. Not only did she attribute some of her fondest memories to the University of Southern California, it is also where she met the love of her life, the man who would become her husband for 50 years, Fred Boynton Watson. She was Fred's #1 fan and loved his banjo music.

She always remained close to friends dating back to her high school and USC days and also continued to gather friends along her life's journey. She lived life one day at a time, was grateful for her many blessings and made sure her family and those around her knew they were loved.

A 54-year resident of San Marino, for 38 years Ada was a successful Realtor with The William Wilson Company, founded in Pasadena in 1887. She prided herself in representing her real estate clients' transactions with a strong sense of ethics and morality.

Ada was a founder of the Volunteer League of the San Fernando Valley, member of the Los Angeles Junior League and the Pasadena Junior League, The Luminaires of the Doheny Eye Institute, the Mary Duque Guild of Children's Hospital, The Trojan League, The Wall Street Wonders, The Midas Touch, Pasadena Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae, PEO IV Chapter, The Valley Hunt Club, The Town Club, and past member of Annandale Golf Club and The Huntington Library Fellows.

Predeceased by her best friend and cherished husband, Fred Boynton Watson, and survived by devoted sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Clarke Watson (Diane Fuller) of San Marino and John Boynton Watson (Elizabeth Hotaling) of Westcliffe, Colorado; extended family son Rev. Michael Joseph Roffina (Susan Bleecker) of Pasadena; adored grandchildren Blair Watson Hamilton (Gavin), Spencer Fuller Watson, Elizabeth Jane Watson Maul (Derek), Clarke Duque Watson, and Henry Larkin Watson; precious great granddaughter Harper Diane Hamilton; brother-in-law Jack Watson (Linda); nephew Bruce Watson, and nieces Suzanne Watson and Marlo Watson Devir.

The Family wishes to thank Ada's devoted friend, Carmen Medina, and Dr. Glenn Ehresmann and Dr. Michael Gurevitch.

Private family burial at San Gabriel Cemetery. Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be held September 18th at 10am at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Keck Medicine of USC, c/o Dr. Glenn Ehresmann; Huntington Hospital, c/o Dr. Michael Gurevitch; Holy Family Church or Children's Hospital Los Angeles.