Ethel was born in New London on Christmas Day in 1931, the daughter of Edgar and Ethel (Hoffman) Remick. She grew up in Mystic, Connecticut and attended Stonington schools, graduating from Stonington HS in 1949. She was predeceased by her husband John Watson in 2004. She is survived by her 3 sons: Edward Watson of East Lyme and wife Rebecca, with their daughter Rosalie and sons Benjamin, Samuel and Gabriel from a prior marriage, Bruce Watson of Deerfield Beach, Florida and Richard Watson of St Augustine, Florida, with wife Kelly and daughter Kayla and son Philip from a prior marriage, as well as Philip's daughter, Harmony.
While growing up in the Old Mystic area, she made lifelong friends and became an unofficial member of the Paulson family, including her "sister", Gloria (Paulson) Presti. She worked in many local venues, including Woolworth's (Five and Dime) in Mystic, Bostitch and EB, initially as an original "keypunch operator" and eventually for Computer Sciences Corporation. John was her great love, marrying in 1952 and cherishing over 50 years together,
Although she was an outgoing woman with many close friends and interests including travel, crafting, golf and teddy bears, her greatest love was her family. She and "Poppa" were the hosts of many years of extended family get-togethers, 4th of July celebrations and pool parties, with volleyball and miraculously injury free "Jarts" competitions. They were profoundly dedicated parents and grandparents who supported their children's diverse career paths and challenges, as well as doting on grandchildren for endless hours. She was exceptionally close to her niece, Kathy Pelletier of West Warwick, RI and her nephew, Thomas Watson of Coventry, RI, as well as her former daughter-in-law Nicole Curtis (Watson) of Marietta, GA.
With the establishment of her home in Ledyard, Ethel became an active and devoted member of the Ledyard Congregational Church for 70 years, working at the Ledyard Fair, innumerable bake sales and singing in the choir. This was the source of some of her greatest strength and solace, informing her life of Christian values and spirituality. As such, any donations in her name may be made to the church.
Ethel's family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, June 3, form 5 to 8pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 4, at 11am at the Ledyard Congregational Church, 722 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard. Burial will immediately follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.