Marianne Duncan Watkins

Marianne Duncan Watkins passed away on March 5, 2020. She was 89 years old. Marianne Duncan Watkins was born on April 2, 1930 in Virginia and raised in North Carolina. Marianne was the steadfast matriarch of our family, who many of us lovingly called our “steel magnolia.” As a proud Tar Heel herself, she embraced her Southern roots; she had an affinity for Southern writers and often shared her own stories of the South, as a young girl growing up in North Carolina. A young Marianne, however, probably never imagined how much of the world she would be able to see during her nearly 90 years here on earth. Through her U.S. Government career, she was able to travel to places ranging from Okinawa, Japan to Vienna, Austria. She and her family also spent a number of years in sunny and tranquil Hawaii, which was often described by Marianne as her “happy place.” Marianne once remarked that she was not as accomplished as her husband, who served in WWII’s Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his service. However, through her everyday interactions, she was able to touch the lives of many—a feat that very few can achieve. As a life-long learner and global citizen, she easily made friends with people of different backgrounds and cultures. Her spiritual nature and philosophical knowledge made her a remarkable conversationalist and storyteller. Marianne’s selfless and humble nature also made her a patient listener to all of those who came to her. Most of all, she will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, who treated others with compassion, respect and understanding. One of her favorite quotes was by Mother Theresa: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Marianne certainly practiced this mantra every day of her life. Her spirit is survived by her three children: Lynne Watkins of Pleasant Hills, CA; Jay Watkins and his spouse Dianne of McLean, VA; and Brooke Watkins McLeod and her spouse Neil of Annandale, Va. Her legacy also lives on through her four grandchildren: Caroline Watkins; Ian McLeod and his wife Tori; Michael Malvini; and Madeleine Malvini Pasjuta, her spouse Cole and their daughter, Chloe Rose Pasjuta. Marianne is also survived by her brother, Tim Duncan of Myrtle Beach, SC. Marianne will be laid to rest alongside her husband of 67 years at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, July 20th 2020 at 1 PM.