Obituary for Peggy (Margaret) Watson
Margaret Minna Kay Russell Watson (Peggy), 87, of Mount Pleasant, passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side, on Thursday, April 11, 2024. She was able to enjoy her last several weeks at home overlooking the Chippewa River, watching the birds, and spring beginning to bloom.
Peggy was born on July 20, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Royal and Minna (Jenkins) Russell, and the middle of three children. She was raised in Detroit and lived her life in Michigan. On January 9, 1960, Peggy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Don R. Watson, who preceded her in death October 27, 1989. During their marriage they loved sharing time in the Upper Peninsula at their cottage they built together on Caribou Lake. They lived in Fraser for 9 years and in St. Clair Shores for 21 years.
Shortly after Don’s passing, Peggy lived at their cottage for about a year. Living there after retirement was their dream, but without Don it was lonely. Peggy moved back downstate and lived in Clinton Township for 8 years. In 2000, she retired to Caseville to be closer to her brother and sister-in-law. Soon after, her sister, Suzanne, moved next door to Peggy. Peggy moved to New Baltimore in 2016, and then to Mt. Pleasant in 2019. As her children were growing up, Peggy worked as the cook at St. John Lutheran School with Don (baker, and later the custodian). After her children were grown, Peggy worked at Church of Christ Care Center as a nurse’s aide; again, working with Don (maintenance supervisor). Prior to retiring, she worked several years at 7-Eleven.
Peggy celebrated life! She welcomed every adventure. Her glass was always more than half full; and she found something positive in every situation, topping it off with a little humor. She never complained or passed judgement. Peggy particularly enjoyed spending time with family, reading, traveling, gardening, music, animals, and nature. Peggy’s love for her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends was unconditional and her kindness towards everyone was beyond measure. Her family and her role of Wife, Mom, and Nonny was the most important thing to her. She was loved by so many. What a beautiful legacy she leaves!
Preceded in death are Peggy’s husband, Don Watson; parents, Royal and Minna Russell; brother, Royal Edward (Skip) Russell II (Nancy); and sister, Suzanne McGraw. Surviving are her three children, Sharon (Scott) Blackwell, Don (Tina) Watson, and Diane (Rodney) Pylar; 12 grandchildren, Chelsea VanSlembrouck and Blair Miller; Amber Wynne, Michael Holderbaum, Kaitlyn Sell, Donyele, Dylan, and Shane Watson, and Joey Grab; Nickolaus and Sebastian Peterson, and Rebecca Mills; 13 great-grandchildren; 7 nieces; and 1 nephew. A funeral service will not take place, Peggy’s Celebration of Life will be held in July.
Memorial contributions in Peggy’s name may be directed to Heartland Hospice of Mt. Pleasant or to the Dementia Society of America.
Peggy was born on July 20, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Royal and Minna (Jenkins) Russell, and the middle of three children. She was raised in Detroit and lived her life in Michigan. On January 9, 1960, Peggy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Don R. Watson, who preceded her in death October 27, 1989. During their marriage they loved sharing time in the Upper Peninsula at their cottage they built together on Caribou Lake. They lived in Fraser for 9 years and in St. Clair Shores for 21 years.
Shortly after Don’s passing, Peggy lived at their cottage for about a year. Living there after retirement was their dream, but without Don it was lonely. Peggy moved back downstate and lived in Clinton Township for 8 years. In 2000, she retired to Caseville to be closer to her brother and sister-in-law. Soon after, her sister, Suzanne, moved next door to Peggy. Peggy moved to New Baltimore in 2016, and then to Mt. Pleasant in 2019. As her children were growing up, Peggy worked as the cook at St. John Lutheran School with Don (baker, and later the custodian). After her children were grown, Peggy worked at Church of Christ Care Center as a nurse’s aide; again, working with Don (maintenance supervisor). Prior to retiring, she worked several years at 7-Eleven.
Peggy celebrated life! She welcomed every adventure. Her glass was always more than half full; and she found something positive in every situation, topping it off with a little humor. She never complained or passed judgement. Peggy particularly enjoyed spending time with family, reading, traveling, gardening, music, animals, and nature. Peggy’s love for her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends was unconditional and her kindness towards everyone was beyond measure. Her family and her role of Wife, Mom, and Nonny was the most important thing to her. She was loved by so many. What a beautiful legacy she leaves!
Preceded in death are Peggy’s husband, Don Watson; parents, Royal and Minna Russell; brother, Royal Edward (Skip) Russell II (Nancy); and sister, Suzanne McGraw. Surviving are her three children, Sharon (Scott) Blackwell, Don (Tina) Watson, and Diane (Rodney) Pylar; 12 grandchildren, Chelsea VanSlembrouck and Blair Miller; Amber Wynne, Michael Holderbaum, Kaitlyn Sell, Donyele, Dylan, and Shane Watson, and Joey Grab; Nickolaus and Sebastian Peterson, and Rebecca Mills; 13 great-grandchildren; 7 nieces; and 1 nephew. A funeral service will not take place, Peggy’s Celebration of Life will be held in July.
Memorial contributions in Peggy’s name may be directed to Heartland Hospice of Mt. Pleasant or to the Dementia Society of America.