Ann Patricia Watson

Ann (Pam) Patricia Watson, born on July 26, 1938, in Winona, Minnesota, passed away on November 13, 2025, at the age of 87. She was a resident of Beaverton, Oregon. Ann was known for her wise, humorous, and intelligent nature.

Raised in Winona, Minnesota, with a few years in Pottstown, Pennsylvania during World War II, Ann was the daughter of Donald and Helen Wing. She pursued her education with dedication, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Iowa State University in 1960 and a Master's in Math and Computer Science from Marylhurst University in 1990.

Ann's career began as a Mathematician at the National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS) on January 3, 1961. During her tenure, she authored several reports on nuclear reactor testing. In 1966, she paused her career to start a family. Once her children reached school age, Ann returned to the workforce as a programmer at Tektronix, where she worked for 15 years, including time spent on the International team in England and Spain. She retired in 1992.

Ann married Donald Watson on June 5, 1965, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in a ceremony officiated by her Uncle Henry. The couple met while working together at NRTS.

In her personal life, Ann enjoyed reading, quilting, sewing, and baking. As a teenager, she played jazz trumpet in a local band. She was an avid sports fan, particularly of football, and had a love for cats. Ann was a voracious learner with a dry sense of humor and quick wit.

Ann is survived by her husband, Donald Watson of Beaverton, Oregon; her son, Mike, and his wife Sara Watson of Lincoln, Nebraska; her daughter, Patti, and her husband Kevin Mapes of Portland, Oregon; her daughter, Kathi Watson, and her husband Nick Scown of Los Angeles, California; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Mary Schultz of El Cerrito, California; her sister, Nancy Yakish of Vancouver, Washington; and her brother, Robert Wing of Savage, Minnesota.

In honor of Ann's memory, contributions may be sent to your favorite charity.