Donna Maria Watson (nee Blair) passed away at her home in Homosassa, Florida on Friday, December 20, 2013. She struggled for years with severe migraine headaches however, she loved her family so much that she lived life to the fullest even in pain.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, to George and Maria Blair on December 19, 1947, she attended St. Catherine’s School until she graduated in grade 8. The family then moved to Riviera Beach, Florida, in 1960 so that Donna’s father could work at Pratt and Whitney. She graduated from Riviera Beach High School in 1965. In 1967 she received an AA degree from Palm Beach Community College. She then went on to Florida State University where she graduated with honors earning her degree in English. In June of 1974 Donna earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University.
Donna’s teaching career began at Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida. There she met her future husband, David Lee Watson. They married on June 23, 1973. They subsequently moved to Homosassa, Florida. In addition to teaching English at Martin County High School, Donna also taught English in Crystal River High School in Citrus County, and Central High School in Hernando County.
Donna is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of forty years, David, and two children, Keri (Robert) Pell of Tallahassee and Matthew (Nicole) Watson of Homosassa. She was the proud grandmother to Matthew and Nicole’s children, Austin and Peyton. Donna is also survived by her mother, Maria; sister, Cathleen Blair of Okeechobee; brother, Kevin Blair (Cynthia) of Palm City; nephews, Sean Blair of Palm City, Scott Blair (Danielle) of Port St. Lucie; Sister-in-law, Sandy Watson of Maryland; Niece, Melinda and family of Pennsylvania; Nephew, David Kirby and family of West Virginia.
Donna was an avid reader, wrote poetry, and loved to travel. In 1997, she was recognized by the National League of American Pen Women for her poem entitled, “Old Cracker Home” in the Withlacoochee Forest. In 1971 Donna was selected as a Leader of American Secondary Education for her contributions to the advancement of secondary education and service to the community. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Services will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Highway 19, Homosassa, FL, on December 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Foundation, Alzheimer Association, or the ASPCA. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
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