Jeanne Winsor Watson

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Carleton College

Jeanne Watson Obituary

(1918-2009) Homemaker, innovator, peace-lover, and friend died Sept. 2, 2009 at the age of 90. Born in Mitchell SD in 1918, her parents were Frank H. Winsor, Jr. and Cora Blanche Ryan Winsor. A speech champion in high school she became a humorous story teller, a voice for the less fortunate, and an advocate for father family involvement. She graduated from Carleton College in Northfield MN in 1941 and married her college sweetheart P. Theodore (Ted) Watson, MD in 1942. They were married for 60 years before his death in 2002. She loved to travel, bake for her friends and family, help after the arrivals of her 10 grandchildren, eat gum drops, follow politics, and to be an unobtrusive and supportive presence for others. Her motto: laughter is the best medicine! Her legacy is a cutting-edge, nationally recognized Father Infant program which she spearheaded in 1978 at St. Johns Hospital in St. Paul. Over 2000 fathers and babies graduated during the 15 years that she co-directed the program. In 1992 St. Johns dedicated the Watson Education Center in honor of Jeanne Watson and husband Dr. Ted. Watson. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ted, her brother John Winsor (Ronnie), her son Bruce Watson (Vicki Sween), and her grandson Kevin ONeil. She is survived by her special friend Bernard Youngquist; her daughters Janet ONeil (Mike) of St. Louis MO and Laurel Riedel (Claude) of Minneapolis; her son Craig Watson (Deb) of Louisville CO; her brothers, Robert Winsor (Valerie Yackey) of Seattle WA and Frank Winsor III (Laurel) of Inver Groves Heights; 9 grandchildren, Kelly Martinko (Neil), Karyn Reiber (Brandon), Kate (Jim) Lamb, Ian Watson, Aaron (Sara) Riedel, Lee Watson, Ryan Watson, Alex Watson, & Kagan Riedel; 2 great grandchildren, Morgan & Cameron Reiber; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Tues., Sept. 8 at 12:30 pm at St. Christophers Episcopal Church, 2300 N. Hamline, Roseville 55113. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to St. Christophers Episcopal Church or Planned Parenthood of MN and SD. Shiva will be at the Riedels 5133 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis 55419 on Sept. 8 & 9 at 7 pm.

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Published by Pioneer Press on Sep. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeanne Watson

5 Entries

Fred (Mick) Banholzer

September 11, 2009

To the Watson family, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember your Mom and Dad visiting my parents cabin on Lake Sylvia during the summer for a day. They enjoyed the pontoon rides. I also enjoyed the times that I pheasant hunted with Ted, Bruce (I was not aware that he had also passed away) and Craig in the 60's to Granite Falls, MN along with my father and brother Bill.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gregg Lindquist

September 11, 2009

Uncle Ted and Aunt Jeanne were such wonderful people and I will always remember them coming to Watertown, SD to visit during the pheasant hunting seasons. My father, Warren, and mother Kim always enjoyed the good times and shared many of the family stories and background with us. Jeanne leaves such a wonderful legacy with her father's parenting program and Ted was always such a kind and genuine uncle. They are both remembered in my thoughts and prayers.
Gregg Lindquist (Phoenix, Arizona)

Jane Bury Poeschel

September 8, 2009

Jeanne was a wonderful support to me and my girls, Stephanie and Erin. Ted and Jeanne were Erin's Godparents. We enjoyed her Santa cookies, eating out and playing mini golf. Jeanne had quite the swing. I have albums of beautiful memories. I am out of town when news reached me. I send my love to the family, you have had a special mom, and grandmother.

John Butterfield

September 8, 2009

Both Jeanne and Ted Watson made a big difference in my life. They were great friends and gave me unconditional love and respect. The world is in a better place because of them. We all will miss Jeanne as we have Ted. Their family should be very proud.

Marcia and Tom Parker

September 7, 2009

Thank you for sharing your mother's beautiful smile and attitude toward life in this description. We are so sad you have lost her, and send you our love. We know your many wonderful memories will help you through this time of grieving, and though you will always miss her, she will remain alive in your hearts and memories. Her legacy continues in wider circles as well - one of those consisting of an on-going round robin of letters among college friends (over 40 years now), inspired by your mother who had established this tradition. Through Jan, another generation from a different small liberal arts school followed her example. Those letters certainly enhanced the friendship of her group of friends through the years and have done the same for those of us in the next generation. Thank you, Jeanne Winsor Watson.
Marcia and Tom Parker

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