Tia Watson Obituary

Tia (Shirley) Watson Tia Watson's vibrant life on this earth was stilled on August 7, 2008. Those of us who were a part of that charmed circle of her family and friends know how great our loss is. Tia was an incredible woman - ahead of her time in so many ways - with an 'all-girl' band in the 40's, meditating before most people in this country knew what it was, thrilling people with her music - from piano to that magnificent voice, and throughout her life counseling so many of us with her wise words. She gave up her opera career to care for her beloved husband, Steven J. Watson, a highly respected Chicago police detective, who passed away when she was 35. Tia became an acclaimed cabaret singer, composer and pianist in Hollywood, a celebrated author, a gifted interior designer, a national public relations executive and conducted public relations on behalf of Catalina United Methodist Women. A lifelong student, her seminars on positive thinking and the powerful writing in her book, Time To Live, have touched thousands of people - and will continue to inspire us all. She loved Tucson and focused on her community - winning an award from the City of South Tucson for her work with the needy, working as a docent with the University of Arizona Museum of Art, volunteering at Smith and Blenman schools and the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation, and donating substantial proceeds from her book to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Her adored sister and best friend, Toni Hart; her cherished nieces, Janne Hart (Skip), Johnna Matthews (Morrie) and Elizabeth Matthews (Doug) will miss her strength, her willingness to listen, her spiritual guidance, her gorgeous smile and infectious laugh - as will countless friends - many of whom were family to her too. Her zest for life, her positive attitude, her love of language and her deep faith gave joy and sustenance to us all. As she told us so often, "God smiles on you" and we know he is 'smiling on her.' Please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the joy of knowing this remarkable woman at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 17, 2008 in the sanctuary of Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E Speedway. Afterward, please join the family in Fellowship Hall. Donations to a memorial fund in Tia's name may be made to Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E Speedway, Tucson, 85716 - or to your favorite charity. Arrangements are being made by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star from Aug. 11 to Aug. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Tia Watson

12 Entries

julia vanaken

December 4, 2024

I'm telling my granddaughter the memory of first meeting Tia. It was the day after my brother, Fred, had died in a car accident. They had become fast friends months prior to his death. She showed up at my mother's house, I was 17 and all alone as my family was at the hospital dealing with arrangements. She came like a guiding angel to help me, help my family deal with this devastating loss. She suggested I call and notify his friends and family that I can think of. Then she asked what I wanted to do. I wanted to go to my brother's place, he'd just moved. We sat in his space together. Quietly. Amongst his guitars and equipment. I don't remember a lot of talk, but I remember the overwhelming feeling of calm and peace she was giving me. A true guiding angel, in the midst of such a dark day. We returned to my mother's house. Family had started to arrive and she offered her condolences to my mother, gave me one last hug and left. I saw her again at the funeral, I think. Many years later, I found out from my mother, that Tia and Fred had come to know each other through the music scene here in Tucson. But she also became his spiritual advisor and in his last days here, he had found some peace, joy and grace before his passing. Thank you Tia. This was 43 years ago. I will pass this memory to my granddaughters, along with her message and book. Your spirit lives on, Julia

Michael

August 5, 2024

I am still referring your little book, A Time to Live.
Awesome little book!

M DeSilva

December 31, 2023

Tia, I would love to have met you. I read your book, A Time to Live, while visiting a dear friend in New Mexico several years ago. It was sitting in a little wall basket in his guest bedroom. I picked it up and began to read it and I was immediately engulfed in what you had to say. I was never much of a reader, but your words were very inspiring! Thanks for writing that little book!!
My condolences to your family and friends!
M DeSilva

Susan Higgins

August 18, 2008

Tia was a desert flower, resilient, compassionate and inspirational. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to spend some time with her. I feel fortunate that she and my mother were fast friends because my mother made sure I received the value of her friendship, which basically was joy and celebration. Tia understood the key to love. She approached everyone as if they were one of God's best creations. I'm very sorry she is gone from us, and I know she is in heaven. Plus, she would have loved to know her guest book was signed online for those who could not make it to the Fellowship Hall. All good graces to Janne and Tony. We miss her and love her too.

James Ponce

August 15, 2008

Tia Watson always had a smile and a kind word to share with me. When my Mother passed away in 2006 Tia gave me a copy of her book a Time to Live. It was the means to being able to live my life again after grieving for many months. I will miss her dearly, My Prayers to the family and especially Toni, who like Tia, always has a smile and a kind word to give. God bless you all James Ponce

Susan Lehr

August 14, 2008

Tia was such a gracious woman. She always made everyone feel special. I loved talking with her and always left her home with happiness in my heart. I will miss her as many will.

Judy Courtright

August 14, 2008

I really enjoyed spending time with Tia ,,,, and all of her family. Toni, I know that you will miss her terribly, but how nice to know that she is healthy and at peace now, smiling down on you and singing you a song.

Anita Rumsey

August 13, 2008

She was a very gentle loving soul that is now in heaven looking after us.

Opal Weaver

August 11, 2008

Thoughts and Prayers are with the family

Opal Weaver

Aliaa Abdel-Gawad

August 11, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies and love. I have fond memories of visits, dinners, playing of the piano and the adorable dog that would spin for treats.

Janet Abdel-Gawad

August 11, 2008

A remarkable person now makes God smile!

khairy Abdel-Gawad

August 11, 2008

Sorry to hear the bad news, Tia is my baby aunt, never forget her good humor, her encouragement and supporting me in 1991. I am sure that GOD has her among his angels. I share the Hart family with their deep pain and the vacuum created by loosing my dear Aunt.
Khairy Abdel-Gawad

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