Sarah Spaulding Watson

Sarah Spaulding Watson, 87, died at Northampton Convalescent Center on Saturday, July 5, 2014. Born in White Plains, NY she was one of four children of Roy and Gladys Spaulding and is survived by her younger brother John R. Spaulding of Arlington Heights, IL. She grew up in White Plains, NY. She subsequently lived in several stateside and overseas locations throughout her marriage and her late husband’s military career.

She obtained her B.A. in French from St. Lawrence University and initially put that education to good use working for Air France in New York City.

She met, was pursued by, and finally married her husband of 56 years, William J. H. Watson (Bill) in June 1950. They moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where she assisted him in his role as a teacher at the Florida Military Academy. That support continued through Bill’s return to active duty in the United States Air Force. His 36-year service included 5 overseas tours. Much to Sally’s delight, the family enjoyed a 3 year tour in Europe that began in France, allowing her to put her skills in French to use again. The family returned to Hampton in 1968 where Sally had been a resident since.

Once Bill retired, he continued to enjoy flying via piloting light planes. Sally finally was persuaded to overcome her fear of flight and take a ride with her husband. She loved light plane flying. They spent many delighted hours taking day trips to nowhere in particular and also many cross-countries with contrived destinations – but really just to allow them to be together.

To her great sorrow, she lost her 2nd son, Bruce, in August, 2000. She is survived by her remaining children and their spouses, Hank and Susan Watson of Miami, FL, Marianne Attaway (wife of Bruce) of York County VA, Tom and LtCol. Beth Watson (USAF Ret.) of Hampton, VA, Elaine and Richard Simmons of Hampton, VA and Mark Watson and Cheryl Owen-Watson of Mechanicsville, VA. Six grandchildren and four great grandchildren mourn her passing. They are Joy and James Campbell, daughter of Hank and Susan and their children, Luke, Laura, Maddy, and Vicky; Lisa, James and Kevin, children of Mark and Cheryl; and Katie and Rachel, daughters of Tom and Beth.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Erika Donaldson, for her kindness, professionalism, and the exceptional care she gave to Sally. Sally's sons, Hank, Tom & Mark, are also grateful for the extreme devotion that their sister Elaine showed their mother, giving the caring, love, and daily companionship which was Sally's mainstay.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home on Armistead Ave in Hampton. The internment will immediately follow in the Parklawn Memorial Park where Sally will take her place next to her late husband and his parents.

In lieu of flowers the family, having failed to find an address for Sally’s preferred charity, the "Spouses of Homeless Fighter Pilot’s Association", asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolences with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.