Mystic - Ethel was born in New London Christmas Day in 1931, the daughter of Edgar and Ethel (Hoffman) Remick. She grew up in Mystic, and attended Stonington schools, graduating from Stonington High School in 1949. She was predeceased by her husband John Watson in 2004. She is survived by her three sons, Edward Watson of East Lyme and wife Rebecca, with their daughter Rosalie and sons, Benjamin, Samuel and Gabriel from a prior marriage; Bruce Watson of Deerfield Beach, Fla., and Richard Watson of St. Augustine, Fla., with wife Kelly and daughter Kayla and son Philip from a prior marriage, as well as Philip's daughter Harmony.

While growing up in the Old Mystic area, she made lifelong friends and became an unofficial member of the Paulson family, including her "sister," Gloria (Paulson) Presti. She worked in many local venues, including Woolworth's (Five and Dime) in Mystic, Bostitch and EB, initially as an original "keypunch operator" and eventually for Computer Sciences Corporation. John was her great love, marrying in 1952, and cherishing over 50 years together.

Although she was an outgoing woman with many close friends and interests including travel, crafting, golf and teddy bears, her greatest love was her family. She and "Poppa" were the hosts of many years of extended family get-togethers, 4th of July celebrations and pool parties, with volleyball and miraculously injury free "Jarts" competitions. They were profoundly dedicated parents and grandparents who supported their children's diverse career paths and challenges, as well as doting on grandchildren for endless hours. She was exceptionally close to her niece, Kathy Pelletier of West Warwick, R.I. and her nephew, Thomas Watson of Coventry, R.I., as well as her former daughter-in-law Nicole Curtis (Watson) of Marietta, Ga.

With the establishment of her home in Ledyard, Ethel became an active and devoted member of the Ledyard Congregational Church for 70 years, working at the Ledyard Fair, innumerable bake sales and singing in the choir. This was the source of some of her greatest strength and solace, informing her life of Christian values and spirituality. As such, any donations in her name may be made to the church.

Ethel's family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 3, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, at the Ledyard Congregational Church, 722 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard. Burial will immediately follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.

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Published by The Day on Jun. 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ethel Watson

Sponsored by Dinoto Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Susanne Badgett

June 12, 2024

Ethel was a remarkable woman, loving and generous. I loved her sense of humor and the way she always made me feel welcome in her home. My condolences to all of her loved ones. She will be dearly missed.

Michelle Kallen (McLaughlin)

June 3, 2024

Ethel was one of the sweetest people I´ve ever known. She was my grandmother´s best friend and I have many fond memories of spending time with Ethel as a child. My sister and I loved visiting her pool in the summertime and would take turns having Ethel be our "grandma for the day" when we would go out shopping or for lunch at BeeBee´s with her and our grandmother. I wish I had kept in touch with her after my grandmother passed many years ago. It sounds as if she had the lovely life she deserved! My sincere condolences to Dick and the boys as well as all of the other people whose lives she touched.

Jody Lees

June 3, 2024

I can honestly say that I never saw Ethel without a smile on her face. She was an instant friend to this newcomer to the alto section of the choir. Ethel was always a cheerful giver of her help on any project and one of the kindest people I ever knew. Especially to she was an angel to stray cats! I will always miss her.

Lora Watson

June 2, 2024

Ethel Watson was the embodiment of LOVE.
Her life was a testament of Joy, Love and Hope.
I will always be thankful for the time spent with Ethel and Dick. (John)
Heaven has welcomed the newcomer!
My memories of her will forever live in my heart.
God Bless her Sons Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Lora W.

MaryEllen Christina

June 2, 2024

My sincere condolences to family & friends of Ethel. I met Ethel in her later years. I had the honor of providing activities, Her favorite was word games or enjoying a cup of coffee & something sweet while she reminisced about her life, husband and children. She often spoke of her grandchildren & each one had special talents. To me, this was a lady who lived a full life.
Ed, Rebecca, Kathy & Tom were devoted to her wellbeing and were there on a regular basis to comfort and care for Ethel.
"Rosie" as Ethel referred to her granddaughter was always delighted to hear her play the piano. Those were special days.
When you give love as Ethel did... it comes back when you need it most. Rest in peace Ethel. You are woman loved well & a woman who touched many lives on your journey here on Earth.

Tom Jenks

June 1, 2024

Dr. Ed, Bruce and Rick:

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She was a wonderful person, neighbor and family friend for over 50+ years to the Jenks family. Thank you for sharing her with us, she made us all better people by her warmth, her friendships as well as her faith. She was a true gem and one of the most kind people that we can remember. Craig and I offer our most sincere condolences on to you and your extended families. We love you all. Tom Jenks & Craig Jenks.

Calista

June 1, 2024

Dr. Watson and family, so sorry for your loss

Eileen price

May 31, 2024

Condolences to the family of Ethel Watson... We worked in the same department for many years and it was always a pleasure to speak with her... I'm sure she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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