Patricia Watson (1952 – 2009)
Her official title was registrar, but the late Patricia Watson was better known as a one-woman welcoming committee for anyone who attended Pilchuck from 2004 onward. As news of her untimely death circulated via her own Facebook page updated by her husband, Lash, the grief shared by many who knew her was balanced by an outpouring of loving appreciation for her warmth and generosity.
“Patricia Watson was a great source of intelligence, love, and kindness in the campus office at Pilchuck,” wrote Ruth King, Pilchuck’s artistic director. “She never failed to help those who needed it, sometimes even just with her amazing empathy.”
The late Patricia Watson pictured with with her husband, Lash.
Watson died in her sleep on November 20th, shortly after her 57th birthday. You can read more about her life in an obituary that ran in the Herald of Everett, Washington. Watson is survived by her parents. her two sisters, her husband, her three children, and two grandchildren.
“She was one of the most caring and sensitive people I’ve ever met,” remembers artist and former Pilchuck student Dolores Barrett. “I will never forget the beautiful person that she was.”
Prior to her tenure at Pilchuck, Watson had worked as a missionary around the United States and in Senegal with her first husband, Ed Kelley. She was known for her love of music, and frequently sang and played the piano. She was born in Seattle on November 6, 1952.
A memorial service will take place this Saturday, December 5th, 2009, at 1 PM at Damascus Road Church in Marysville, Washington. Directions and a map are available here. The complete address is as follows:
Memorial Service for Patricia Watson December 5, 2009, 1 PM Damascus Road Church 1050 State Avenue Marysville, Washington 98270 Telephone: 360.651.1726Email: info@damascusroadchurch.orgThe family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor her memory can make a donation to the Pilchuck Glass School, which is setting up a scholarship in her name. Donations can be made online, by telephone at 206.621.8422, or via regular mail sent to: Pilchuck Glass School 430 Yale Ave North Seattle, WA 98109
NOTE: For anyone interested in sending condolences, Pilchuck will also forward any cards for Patricia Watson mailed to the address above to her immediate family (Lash Watson, Rebecca Fills, Jake Shannon, and Ruth Shannon).