Marilyn Joyce Watson

She was the daughter of Danish immigrants and was proud of her heritage. She loved Orcas Island, pickled herring, books, gardening, feeding the birds in her backyard, and chasing away the squirrels. She was an amazing cook and could put together a dinner party out of what she had in her pantry. After she retired, she volunteered at Wilsonville Community Sharing and Meals on Wheels at the Juanita Pohl Center.

Dogs were always a part of her life. She and our dad competed in agility with their Border Collies and traveled the PNW for agility trials. We often joked they bought a minivan for their dogs, not the grandkids.

She was thoughtful, generous and funny. She built strong friendships and nurtured them.

She was a proud Nana to Bryce, Shane, Annie and Josie. She and our dad were high school sweethearts and were married for 61 years.

She was our advisor, role model, and friend.

She was our mom.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Dick Watson; her son, Rick Watson, and his wife, Suzanne Savaria, along with their daughters, Annie and Josie Savaria-Watson; and her daughter, Kaaren Winkler, and her husband, Bryan Winkler, with their sons, Bryce and Shane. She is also survived by her sister, Eleanore Beymer, and her husband, Dale, as well as their sons, Michael (Ronda) Beymer and David Beymer.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Marilyn’s cherished friends Julie Roeter, Judy Bluett, and Janice Tsuchida—affectionately known as "the Js"—as well as David and Christine Schulman for their love and support.

Marilyn’s celebration of life will take place on Saturday, February 15th at 2:00pm at The Nordic Center, 8800 SW Oleson Rd., Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, The Nature Conservancy, or The Good Dog Retirement Home.

Please feel welcome to share you condolences, warm memories, and cherished photos on this page to be seen by Marilyn's friends, family, and all who loved her.