Leona Tillie Watson

She was born in Calumet City, IL on November 7th to Leo and Julia Luczak.

Her friends and family knew her as Tillie, however the Luczak family including her nieces and nephews called her Aunt Bobbie. Family and friends including the St Rose Alter Society Bake Sale group knew her for her Tillie treats of cookies, cakes, and pies.

Tillie was predeceased in death by her husband of 68 years Duff Watson. Her parents; her sister Connie (Hank) Froning; her brother Patrick (Sue) Luczak; and her son-in-law Mark Etchason.

Tillie and Duff attended Jefferson High School in Lafayette, IN. and began their courtship after high school. Tillie and Duff married in October of 1953 and immediately struck out on their cross-country honeymoon to arrive in San Diego, CA for Duff’s naval commitment. Tillie returned to Lafayette and Duff finished his commitment and eagerly came back to Indiana to be with his now young family. As Duff continued his college career at the University of Notre Dame, they lived on campus married housing caringly given the name of “Vetville” which was established by the University for all the married students with young families returning under the GI bill and Notre Dame’s commitment to the military. During their stay at Notre Dame they met many lifelong friends who shared the same bonds of faith and family.

Prior to raising her family Tillie’s accomplishment included being a florist. When Duff started his business Tillie added to her duties as she was the company bookkeeper. Throughout the years Tillie volunteered at the children’s schools; Roseville Friends of the Library; and St Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Tillie is survived by her brother Larry (Pam) Luczak and Tom (Patsy) Luczak. She enjoyed conversations with them as recently as the week preceding her peaceful passing.

Tillie is survived by her seven children: Sally (Keith) Woods; Dan(Stephanie) Watson; Brigid (George) Jenkins; Maureen (Ted) Sullivan; Marjorie Watson; Nancy Etchason; Francis Duffy III. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Andy, Greg, Kristin, Brian, Mark, Lauren, John, Mary Anne; Duff IV; and Lucy. Given her longevity she is also survived by her sixteen great grandchildren who she pampered with numerous packages for holidays and birthdays.

Aunt Bobbie, as she was known, will be remembered fondly by her numerous nieces and nephews on both the Luczak and Watson side of the families. She was pen pals with many of them and it was always a wonderful day when she heard from them as it connected her to her midwestern roots.

Anyone who knows Tillie now has a grand addition to their Community of Saints.

In Lieu of Flowers the family requests that donations may be made to:

Saint Rose of Lima Parish

615 Vine Avenue

Roseville, CA 95678

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Saint Vincent DePaul Society

Roseville Conference

503 Giuseppe Ct. Suite #8

Roseville, CA 95678

A Rosary will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 615 Vine Ave, Roseville, CA 95678, US, on March 9, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 615 Vine Ave, Roseville, California 95678, on March 9, 2026, at 12:00 pm. A Lunch Reception will take place at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 615 Vine Ave, Roseville, California 95678, on March 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

Burial will be at Roseville Cemetery, 421 Berry St, Roseville, CA 95678, US, on March 10, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.