E. Marie Watson

Eleanor Marie ( E.Marie)Akins Watson passed away on October 4 at 4:30 p.m. in Henry, Illinois. She was born August 17, 1919 to Andrew and Eleanor Akins in Derry, Pennsylvania. Preceded in death by her husband James Y. Watson, her daughter-in-law Carol Watson and nine of her 11 siblings. She is survived by her brother Stanley, her son James and his three children: Jeff Joanisse (Brigid) of Grand Haven, MI; Andrew Watson of Mesa, AZ; and Kate (Dixon) Oates of Asheville, N.C. Also survived by her daughter Karen Bussone of East Peoria and her son RJ Bussone (Jennifer) of Michigan and 11 great grandchildren. Also survived by many nieces and nephews including her godson Terry McGuire of Latrobe, Pa.

EMarie lived a life full and running over. Before her marriage during WWII she contributed to the war effort working in a gas mask factory. After her marriage to James Y., she was a full time mother and homemaker while becoming politically active and attended the 1952 Republican nominating convention. After James was transferred, the family moved from Latrobe to the Chicago area where she began a working career that ranged from working in an insurance office, a boutique gift shop, her own antique business and finally as a realtor.

Volunteerism was also part of her life fabric and after retirement with James to Monticello, Indiana, she volunteered as a reader in the local hospital. After James’s passing in 1991, she returned to Latrobe, Pa and worked with her sister Janet at Latrobe Hospital. 

Friends will be received Monday October 16 from 9:30 a.m.- 10:45 at the McCabe Funeral Home, 300 W. Third Avenue, Derry followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be made in the St. Joseph Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a local Make a Wish organization.

Online condolences may be made to www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com.