Kathleen Anne Mackrell Watson, born September 28, 1943, and passed away December 28, 2023. Kathleen was born in Savannah Georgia to William Howell MacKrell (deceased) and Annette Imogene Bull (deceased).
Beloved Wife of Roger Watson; devoted mother to Stephen Joseph Watson, Anne Kimberly Watson (Jesse) Montalvo. Grandmother to Katalina and Isabella Montalvo. Sister to Mary Saunders, Michael (Elle) Mackrell and Timothy (Nancy) Mackrell. Aunt to Ted Saunders (Alexee), Jennifer Mackrell (James) Covington, Mary Allen Saunders, Thomas Mackrell and Elizabeth (Joseph) Serrato. Great Aunt to Carmen and Ella Serrato, Geneva and Myers Saunders, and Hannah Mackrell.
Kathleen, affectionately known as Kamy grew up in Savannah, Georgia. Her grandparents owned a local Dairy named “Annette’s Dairy” after Kamy’s mother, Annette. The Mackrell children were often featured on the annual Christmas calendars sent out to patrons of the dairy. Her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army during World War II and remained active in the community thereafter. One of Annette’s favorite stories was when she left Kamy’s baby spoon after breakfast one morning and a German POW grabbed it, cleaned it and returned it the next morning. Kamy attended Saint Vincents Academy and was largely put in charge of taking care of her younger siblings and learned early that everyone was watching. Anytime she stepped out of line, the child from the annual calander from Annette’s Dairy was reported upon prior to her setting foot back at home.
Kamy met her true love while in nursing school during her rotation at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Roger and Kamy’s first date was almost their last! Roger planned a trip over the bridge into Kentucky so that he could show off the Cincinnati evening lights to her. When she realized he had taker her over the state line she panicked and thought he was trying to kidnap her. She demanded that Roger take her back to the dorms, not realizing it was just a romantic jester, so he complied. It’s a wonder that their union lasted over 59 years, perhaps it was because they were able to laugh at life’s adventures since they experienced plenty of them.
Kamy, Roger and their family moved across the US multiple times chasing the American dream. Deciding that she wanted to do more than nursing, Kamy went to the local community college during the late 70’s and got her AA in business. She then became a medical sales professional during the early stages of the Aids pandemic. While living in Connecticut, Kamy worked for an interior designer. She always had a love for color and design. Kam’s last professional position was visiting residents at rehabilitation centers and nursing homes to ensure they were receiving the proper wound care they deserved. She was always caring for others.
Kam had various hobbies over the years, some she shared with Roger, camping, boating, flying, working on stained glass, and rescuing dogs. She loved to sew and to quilt. She was a member of the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild. As a matter of fact, she left so much stuff behind to her family, they have no “notion” what to do with it all. So there is no appropriate time to wait and make requests, tomorrow is not too soon!
Kamy’s greatest love outside of her family was her faith and spirituality. This helped her through the ups and downs of life’s curveballs. She went to lectures to learn more about God, our Devine spirit, to strengthen her own soul and shared her knowledge with others. She was a member of many prayer circles and one of her favorite saints was Padre Pio. She was a eucharistic minister across the country over the years and participated in events at the parishes she belonged to. She believed in giving back.
Kam was devoted to her husband, children, and granddaughters. She loved her extended family and friends deeply. Kamy was a force of nature when she was determined to make something happen. She laughed whole heartly and would bring her family to the point of tears in doing so. She was a warm compassionate loving person who will live on within all of those who knew her.
Friends may join the family at the funeral mass which will be celebrated on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs Florida 32701.