Sally Watson Foraker

1956 - 2023

FORAKER, Sally Watson, Midlothian, Va. Our loved and loving wife, sister, aunt and great-aunt, 66, died May 28, 2023 after a long illness. Sally was born in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of Capt. M.P. (Pete) Watson Jr. USNR and Catherine Sellers Watson. She was part of a Navy family, growing up in many cities and spending most of her childhood in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Old Dominion University, Sally served three years in the Navy herself, as an Environmental Health Officer at Naval Station/Naval Training Center Great Lakes, where she met her husband, Michael. They settled in Norfolk, where Sally worked for 27 years as a Health Inspector for the Commonwealth of Virginia. From an early age, Sally approached life as a "horse of a different color." When told by her mom to not walk out her bedroom door until she cleaned her room, she was found outside, playing with friends, after climbing out her window. At the beach she was the aunt that encouraged her nieces and nephews to form a "Mermaid Club," and also brought water balloons for them to drop on the heads of unsuspecting family members. She dressed in full Santa regalia, running across a field to greet her niece and nephew on Christmas morning. She crafted and knitted thoughtful gifts that held special meaning, and now fill our homes with her love. She had a lifelong love of animals, with a great admiration for their innate qualities. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs and chickens were much-loved members of Sally's family. Her care for animals extended beyond her home, as she would nurture any stray or injured animal she encountered, the last being a baby squirrel she lovingly named "Princess Buttercup." She also marveled at the natural wonder of the world around her. Her gardening and trips to the beach and mountains brought her hope and joy. And, by far, she made the very best chocolate chip cookies in the family. In Sally's later years her "horse of a different color" approach to life came full circle as she volunteered at Untamed Spirit Therapeutic and Educational Program, caring for horses and riders, and sharing a special bond with a horse named "Squirt," who provided many happy moments during Sally's illness. Survivors include her husband, Michael Foraker; sister, Cathy Watson McLaren (Gary); brothers, Mark Watson (Scott) and Maxcy "Pete" Watson III (Tracey); nieces, Caitlin McLaren Figura (Bryan), Mary Virginia "Scout" Watson; nephews, Matthew Watson McLaren (Haley) and Maxcy "Pete" Watson IV; and her beloved great-nieces, Ruth McLaren Figura, Eve Merritt McLaren; and great-nephew, Arlo McLaren Figura. Sally will be remembered by her family and friends for her larger-than-life personality and laughter, her love of all creatures, great and small, and her deep appreciation for kindness in the world. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Contributions can be made at untamedspirit.org, or mailed to Untamed Spirit Therapeutic and Educational Program, 3943 Dawley Road, Virginia Beach, Va. 23457.