Lisa Lynne Watson

Lisa Lynne Watson, age 65, passed away on May 31st, 2025, surrounded by her loving family & friends. Originally from Suffolk County, NY, Lisa was the oldest daughter to George D. Lyons & Lynda L. Santacroce. Lisa met Fred and dated in February of 1978, and by October 27th, 1978, Lisa and Fred said, “I Do” in front of friends and family where they began their two lives as one. Lisa attended the South Hampton Police Academy & finished in 4 out of 6 months. She was then hired onto the South Hampton PD and was a respected South Hampton Police Officer for over 10 years before moving to Sarasota, FL. Lisa loved working with people so after working for American Airlines & a local grocery store, she decided to work for our local school district, Sarasota County Schools. She worked in the cafeteria and worked in a classroom with special needs children of all ages. That is where she found her niche. After working at Fruitville School for a few years, she decided to move to Oak Park School, a local special needs school, and ended up staying there for over 30 years. Lisa retired from Oak Park within the last year. She loved helping the students, making them laugh, helping them learn and teaching them art. She was great at sketching, painting & her mosaic work. She had the biggest heart that some kids called her “memaw”, “momma Lisa”, “mom” and so on. Mom loved getting lost in music and creating her mosaic pieces, traveling to the mountains of North Carolina, watching every Tyler Perry movie that has ever been made, hallmark movies, her cats (Ted & Faith), her new puppy (Tucker), and hanging out with her family & friends. She was so many things to so many people, but to me she was superhuman, brave, strong, funny, kind, stubborn, sophisticated, loyal, hardworking, loving, and the best mother, grandmother, friend, sister, daughter and wife that we all could have asked for!

She is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick G. Watson and her father, George D. Lyons.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Michelle L. Watson (Michael Zayas) and Matthew A. Watson (Breanne); grandchildren, Brionna Palmiter, Joseph Zayas, Sophia Zayas, Ava Henderson and Austin Watson; her mother, Lynda L. Santacroce Fry (Ward Fry); siblings, Jonathan Lyons (Cindy), Bruce Lyons (Mary), Jennifer Rhodes (Michael) and sister in law, Susan Hopkins (Jack); nieces, nephews, cousins and “Framily” (The friends that aren’t blood, but are family)

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the American Lung Association in memory of Lisa. Try to also join the walk/run they hold every November! Sign up on the website to be notified.

Visitation for Lisa will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota with a funeral service following starting at 5:00 PM. A reception will occur Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.